Parameterization of the 3-PG model for Quercus mongolica by using tree-ring data and Bayesian calibration

Abstract

Although Quercus mongolica is a widely distributed, economically and ecologically important deciduous tree in northern China, models to accurately predict stand growth at a regional scale are limited. The physiological process model (3-PG) has the potential to predict stand growth dynamics under varying site conditions and climate change scenarios. Here, we used field inventory, tree ring sampling, and Bayesian calibration to parameterize a model for Q. mongolica. Stand volume and productivity were then predicted under present conditions and three future climate scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 and RCP85). Our results demonstrated that after Bayesian calibration, the posterior ranges of the sensitivity parameters aphaCx, wSx1000 and pRn accounted for 34%, 45% and 65%, respectively, of their prior range. Calibration and validation results revealed a strong correlation between predicted and measured values (R² > 0.87, P < 0.01), with < 20% bias for all growth indicators. Stand volume was projected to increase by 145% and productivity by 80% by the year 2100 under the RCP85 scenario, although these projections may vary across regions. The present study developed a tailored set of 3-PG model parameters for Q. mongolica, based on a comprehensive range of climate conditions, stand structure, and age classes. These parameters offer a scientific basis to accurately predict growth of other monospecific oak or mixed-species stands.

The online version is available at https://link.springer.com/.

Corresponding editor: Tao Xu

The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-025-01892-1.

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Keywords

Quercus mongolica / 3-PG model / Bayesian calibration / Productivity / Growth forecast

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