Abstract
An individual tree basal area increment model for pure stands of maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Ait.) is presented. The data used to fit the model were collected from 67 temporary 0.05 ha plots installed in regularly stocked, even- and uneven-aged stands located in Galicia (northwestern Spain). Explanatory variables used to predict the basal area increment are breast-height diameter outside bark, a diameter-squared term, a distance-independent competition index, crown spread ratio, and effective soil depth. Age and site index are intentionally omitted to obtain generality for a wide range of even- and uneven-aged stand conditions. The resulting model explains more than 78% of the total growth variation, corresponds to current hypotheses about tree growth, and is expected to provide reliable site-specific predictions for most of the pure maritime pine stands found in the study area.
Published Version
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