The work described in this paper aimed to establish a single set of parameter values for a process-based model (3-PG), applicable to Eucalyptus globulus Labill. in Portugal. Initial testing was done with parameter values from Australia using climate, biometric, and soils data from an irrigation and fertilization trial and a spacing trial. The model provided good estimates for stem mass and basal area, poor estimates for leaf mass, and reasonable estimates for volume. The fit between simulated and observed values was then improved by tuning parameter values to produce a final set. The calibrated model was tested, and performed well, against data from permanent sample plots (PSPs) at different locations across Portugal. Volume and basal area predictions made by 3-PG for PSPs were then compared with predictions made by the empirical model in use for E. globulus plantations in Portugal. Differences were negligible. Model outputs with the Australian parameter set and the optimum set for Portugal indicated that partitioning of carbohydrates (net primary productivity) was very different in E. globulus grown in Portugal and Australia. The study has confirmed the potential of this process-based model as a practical tool to support forest management decision-making.

Forests play an important role in the global carbon balance because they offset a large portion of the carbon dioxide emitted through human activities. Accurate estimates are necessary for national reporting of greenhouse gas inventories, carbon credit trading and forest carbon management but in Portugal reliable and accessible forest carbon measurement methodologies are still lacking for some species. The objective of this study was to provide forest managers with a comprehensive database of carbon factors and equations that allows estimating stand-level carbon stocks in Pinus pinea L. (P. pinea), regardless of the tree inventory information available. We produced aboveground biomass and stem volume equations, biomass expansion factors (BEF) by component as well as wood basic density (WBD) and component carbon fraction in biomass. A root-to-shoot ratio is also presented using data from trees in which the root system was completely excavated. We harvested 53 trees in centre and south Portugal covering different sizes (6.5 to 56.3 cm), ages (10 to 45 years) and stand densities (20 to 580 trees ha -1 ). The results indicate that aboveground allometry in P. pinea is not comparable with other pines and varies considerably with stand characteristics, highlighting the need to develop stand-dependent factors and equations for local or regional carbon calculations. BEF aboveground decreases from open (1.33 ± 0.03 Mg m -3 ) to closed stands (1.07 ± 0.01 Mg m -3 ) due to a change in biomass allocation pattern from stem to branches. Average WBD was 0.50 ± 0.01 Mg m -3 but varies with tree dimensions and the root-to-shoot ratio found was 0.30 ± 0.03. The carbon fraction was statistically different from the commonly used 0.5 factor for some biomass components. The equations and factors produced allow evaluating carbon stocks in P. pinea stands in Portugal, contributing to a more accurate estimation of carbon sequestered by this forest type.Key words: Pinus pinea; carbon balance; climate change; biomass inventory. Resumen Alometría de la biomasa y factores de carbono para un pino Mediterráneo (Pinus pinea L.) en PortugalLos bosques juegan un papel importante en el balance global del carbono porque desplazan una gran porción del dióxido de carbono emitidos por actividades humanas. Se necesitan estimaciones precisas para los informes nacionales de los inventarios de los gases de efecto invernadero, mercados de créditos de carbono, y manejo de carbono en los bosques. Pero en Portugal todavía faltan, para algunas especies, metodologías de mediciones fiables y accesibles de carbono en los bosques. El objetivo de este estudio es proporcionar a los gestores forestales una base de datos completa de los factores y ecuaciones del carbono que permitan estimar los stocks de carbono a nivel de rodal, en Pinus pinea, independientemente de la información disponible de los inventarios de árbol. Producimos ecuaciones de biomasa del matorral, y del volumen del troco, factores de expansión de biomasas (BEF) por componente así como densi...

There are dedicated computational models and platforms to facilitate the design and planning of multi-energy-systems. However, the widespread adoption of new technological solutions largely depends on the right business models. Whilst there exists a list of possible business opportunities emerging with a multi-energy-system, there is lacking guidance on how to match their design with business models. A close fit could possibly increase the speed of implementation of a new energy solution. This study describes and tests a methodology to evaluate and improve the match between business models of selected companies and planned multi-energy-systems. A total of six districts with planned energy systems as well as six companies were assessed for their matching potential. Then, mutual adaptation between the business model and the further energy system optimization was tested as a way to improve the match.