Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop an equation with biological attributes and general applicability, to represent the height-diameter relationship for Pinus taeda L. stands, with and without thinning, in the Middle West region of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The data came from 652 permanent plots, with 428 to 740 m2, located in forest stands with ages ranging from 4.6 to 35.2 years, in which the total heights of about 20% of the trees were measured, in addition to the dominant trees. The functions developed by Harrison, Michailoff, Prodan and Stoffels & Van Soest were fitted with their parameters linear function of stand variables, based on the Gauss-Newton algorithm. In general, the Harrison model, fitted with the parameter linear function of age (t), site index (S), coefficient of variation of the tree diameters in the plot (CV d ) and basal area of the plot (G), showed the best statistical performance to represent the height-diameter relationship, biological consistency and general applicability for stands of Pinus taeda.
Highlights
The total height (h) refers to the linear distance from ground level to the upper tip of the tree crown, through its main axis
The set of stand variables which the parameters of the height-diameter functions were expressed as a linear combination were: age (t), in years; site index (S), in meters; coefficient of variation of the diameters (CVd), in %; and basal area (G), in m2.ha-1
Michailoff_a and Harrison_a equations presented the coefficient corresponding to the basal area not significant in the linear combination of the parameter a, so these equations were fitted without the basal area
Summary
The total height (h) refers to the linear distance from ground level to the upper tip of the tree crown, through its main axis. It is the most used height measurement, more objective and less subject to errors of judgment (BATISTA et al, 2014), recording of total height is preferred to merchantable lengths on permanent sample plots when tree-growth measurements are based on periodic measurements of the same trees. The lack of successive height measurements of the same tree is commonly forcing the use of compatible height projection equation and height-diameter prediction equation in the individual-tree growth models (TOMÉ, 1988; SOARES; TOMÉ, 2002)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
