Volume and Taper Equations for P. taeda (L.) and E. grandis (Hill ex. Maiden)

Cecilia Rachid Casnati,Richard Woollons,Fernando Resquin,Euan G Mason

doi:10.31285/agro.18.464

Cecilia Rachid Casnati, Richard Woollons + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.31285/agro.18.464

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Journal: Agrociencia Uruguay	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2014
Citations: 11	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: University of Canterbury

Abstract

We compared several taper and volume equations with emphasis in testing the suitability of compatible taper equations, so that they can be used in forest inventories or decision support systems. We used data from 863 and 932 trees of Pinus taeda and Eucalyptus grandis respectively, collected from the Departments of Rivera, Tacuarembó, Paysandú, and Río Negro in Uruguay. In general, rankings of the candidate models were consistent for both species. For volume estimation the most accurate equations were the models presented by Clutter et al. (1983) and Schumacher and Hall (1933) for P. taeda and E. grandis respectively, while for describing stem profiles the most accurate model was a variable exponent equation presented by Muhairwe (1999) and modified by Methol (2001). The best compatible taper equation tested remained in an intermediate ranking position, but represented a satisfactory option for foresters seeking to use the advantages of this class of equations.

Highlights

Accurate taper and volume functions are essential tools for forest management
The first formulation was presented by Demaerschalk (1971, 1972) and since several authors have reformulated taper equations to be combined with volume functions (Cao et al, 1980; Fang et al, 1999; Jiang et al, 2005; Jordan et al, 2005)
For the volume equation selected for E. grandis, predicted and observed values were closer; the 95 % confidence interval ranged from 0.99 and 1.00

Summary

Introduction

Accurate taper and volume functions are essential tools for forest management. They complement inventory information intended to quantify volume stand production and evaluate profitability. They are often associated with growth and yield models and used for developing stand level volume equations. The first formulation was presented by Demaerschalk (1971, 1972) and since several authors have reformulated taper equations to be combined with volume functions (Cao et al, 1980; Fang et al, 1999; Jiang et al, 2005; Jordan et al, 2005)

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