Site Index Curve

A site index curve is a family of curves relating tree height to stand age, used to quantify the productivity of a forest site. Site index is conventionally defined as the height of dominant trees at a reference age (typically 50 years in temperate forests). These curves enable foresters to classify sites by productivity class and to predict growth rates for planning timber harvests and silvicultural treatments. Site index curves are among the most fundamental tools in forest growth and yield modeling.