A Soil Temperature Model for Closed Canopied Forest Stands

Abstract

A microcomputer-based soil temperature model was developed to predict temperature at the litter-soil interface and soil temperatures at three depths (0.10 m, 0.20 m, and 1.25 m) under closed forest canopies. Comparisons of predicted and measured soil temperatures indicated good model performance under most conditions. When generalized parameters describing soil thermal characteristics were used, predicted values were generally within 1 to 3 °C of measured values.

Keywords

Computer model, soil heat, flow, litter-soil interface temperatures, seasonal variation, hourly soil temperature, BASIC

Citation

Vose, James M.; Swank, Wayne T. 1991. A Soil Temperature Model for Closed Canopied Forest Stands. Res. Pap. SE-281. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 16 p.