tree growth based on physiological principals (for many different forests)

Bridges gap between mensuration based growth and yield models and process – based, C balance models

Worldwide applied to many species and a wide range of forest types, good for short rotation periods, free access, can be modified and specialized for own purposes

+ based on wide range of conditions

+ applicable under changing conditions

+ provides explanation, aids understanding

+ free access

- Not as widely understood as empirical growth models

- Not necessarily as accurate either

- can require data not available