LINKAGES Forest Ecosystem Model with Example Data

LINKAGES is an individual-based forest ecosystem biogeochemistry model predicting long-term structure and dynamics constrained by nitrogen, climate, and soil moisture. The product contains FORTRAN source code for three versions alongside example input and output data for sites in eastern North America and New South Wales. Model simulations have been compared favorably to field data from different geographic areas worldwide.

Use Cases

• Calibrating and validating the LINKAGES model using provided example climatic inputs like precipitation, temperature, and soil field capacity.
• Simulating forest carbon accumulation and biomass using model parameters for tree growth constrained by light, water, and soil nitrogen.
• Studying litter decomposition and soil nitrogen availability dynamics based on organic matter quantity and carbon chemistry.
• Analyzing species reproduction and mortality probabilities as functions of degree days, light availability, water stress, and age.
• Applying the model to new geographic regions by preparing site-specific input data for climate, soil moisture, and forest composition.

Strengths

• Model includes three versions (v1 and two subsequent updates), providing a developmental history.
• Example data covers two distinct geographic regions: eastern North America and New South Wales.
• Model simulations are noted to compare favorably with field data from various global areas.
• The model simulates detailed processes including tree birth, growth, death, and litter decomposition for trees >1.43 cm dbh.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, dataset size, and specific column names are not provided by any source.
• Conflicting last updated dates exist: one source lists 2008-12-31, while others list 2026-03-13.

Provenance

Source

ORNL_CLOUD

Collection Method

Model development and simulation output.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026-03-13 00:56:01.204634

Geography

Example data from eastern North America and New South Wales; model applicable worldwide.