Abstract
ABSTRACT Stand density management diagrams (SDMD) provide a guide for forest density management taking into account stands attributes such as trees´ diameter or volume. One of the most common species planted in Pampean plains of Argentina is Eucalyptus viminalis for multiple objectives: solid wood use or firewood in local markets, pulp for cellulose industry and to provide services for agriculture and cattle raising (windbreaks or cattle refuge). The objective of this study was to gather the available production information /inventory data and to develop a first SDMD for estimating standing volume, biomass and canopy cover of E. viminalis as a tool for forest managers aiming at different plantation purposes. Data to develop the SDMD were obtained from 161 plots, distributed along a climate and soil gradient. We also generated two predictive equations capable of estimating dominant height from the diameter of the trees as well as canopy cover from stand basal area. As an example of application, the SDMD was used to estimate the wood production of three alternative systems: a) an unmanaged plantation (simulating a common practice in the region), b) a mixed production system such as an agroforestry system, and c) a plantation that maximizes wood biomass or volume production.
Highlights
Several attributes of forests are related to the stocking of trees per unit land area, such as mortality or growth rate, average size of the individuals and other characteristics of the stand
This kind of attribute –density relationship allows for foresters to develop stand density management diagrams (SDMD)
Some of these data are unpublished (37 plots), but other come from the original database that supports the following publications: Caccia et al (1991; n=14 plots), Ferrere et al (2008; n= 22 plots), Ferrere et al (2014; n=72 plots), Milione (2019; n=16 plots). Because some of these data were not digitalized before this study or the published articles or reports are written in Spanish, we include the data in the Appendix A. This database covers the main distribution of E. viminalis in Buenos Aires province and most of Pampa region: the northern plots were located near Paraná river (33°35’31.20”S - 59°52’3.58”O) the Southern and Eastern plots were placed near Tandil city (37°38’37.44”S - 59° 4’27.10”O)
Summary
Several attributes of forests are related to the stocking of trees per unit land area (i.e. tree density), such as mortality or growth rate (current or mean annual increment), average size of the individuals (i.e. stem diameter) and other characteristics of the stand (i.e. canopy cover, carbon accumulation; Long and Vacchiano, 2014). These authors emphasize the relevance of estimating the boundary line that maximizes the combination of these attributes – density relationships. The basic purpose of a SDMD is to guide the management of forest density taking into account stands attributes such as wood volume, canopy cover or biomass production, and the amount of energy provided by biomass or the potential pulp production (i.e. Pérez et al, 2008; PérezCruzado et al, 2011; Tang et al, 2016)
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
