scholarly journals Predicting Diameter at Breast Height from Stump Measurements of Removed Trees to Estimate Cuttings, Illegal Loggings and Natural Disturbances

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
Lucio Di Cosmo ◽  
Patrizia Gasparini

Predicting diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees from stump information may be necessary to reconstruct silvicultural practices, to assess harvested timber and wood, or to estimate forest products’ losses caused by illegal cuttings or natural disasters (disturbances). A model to predict DBH of felled trees was developed by the first Italian National Forest Inventory in 1985 (IFNI85). The model distinguished between the two broad groups of conifers and broadleaves and used stump diameter as the sole quantitative variable. Using an original dataset containing data from about 1200 trees of sixteen species recorded throughout Italy, we assessed the performance of that model. To improve the prediction of the DBH of removed trees over large areas and for multiple species, we developed new models using the same dataset. Performance of the new models was tested through indices computed on cross-validated data obtained through the leave-one-out method. A new model that performs better than the old one was finally selected. Compared to the old NFI model, the selected model improved DBH prediction for fourteen species up to 31.28%. This study proved that species specification and stump height are variables needed to improve the models’ performance and suggested that data collection should be continued to get enhanced models, accurate for different ecological and stand conditions.

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rulfe Tavares ◽  
Alexandre Pio Viana ◽  
Deborah Guerra Barroso ◽  
Antonio Teixeira do Amaral Júnior

The increasing demand for raw material for multiple uses of forest products and by-products has attracted the interest for fast growing species, such as the Australian Cedar (Toona ciliata), which presents high productive and economic potential. The present work aimed at estimating genetic diversity by DNA markers and morphological traits supported for the mixed models. The following traits were measured and genotypes were sampled randomly in different areas: diameter at breast height, height, cylindrical volume, diameter, distance between nodes and crown diameter. Twelve RAPD primers were used and generated a total of 91 marks, 82 of which were polymorphic. The high percentage of polymorphic markers, 90.10%, demonstrated that discrimination in this species is efficient, but it yet little studied, for this case we can find the extent of the genetic basis for the application of technical improvement. The assessment of genetic diversity by the UPGMA method using the binary and morphological data provided the expression of genetic dissimilarities among the accessions evaluated, optimizing the perception of this divergence. The use of mixed models was efficient to assess combined genetic diversity to optimize the selection of genotypes with divergent genetic values for diameter at breast height.


1986 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 220-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quang V. Cao ◽  
William D. Pepper

Abstract Equations are presented for prediction of inside bark diameter from outside bark diameter, outside and inside bark diameter at breast height, relative height, and total height for shortleaf, loblolly, natural longleaf, and planted longleaf pines. These equations performed somewhat better than the three options in Grosenbaugh's (1974) STX computer program. Users can select equations that do or do not require bark measurement at breast height. Results from shortleaf data indicated that a single equation seemed adequate for different physiographic regions. South J. Appl. For. 10:220-224, Nov. 1986.


1992 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antal Kozak ◽  
Stephen A. Y. Omule

Equations were derived for estimating stump volume, stump inside bark diameter at any given height from ground and diameter at breast height from measured stump height and stump inside bark diameter. The equations were tested on 33 British Columbia commercial tree species groups and the results of four species groups are presented in this paper. This prediction system will play an important role in "waste" or "residue" surveys in British Columbia and in reconstructing the initial stand conditions by estimating diameter at breast height.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4167
Author(s):  
David Kombi Kaviriri ◽  
Huan-Zhen Liu ◽  
Xi-Yang Zhao

In order to determine suitable traits for selecting high-wood-yield Korean pine materials, eleven morphological characteristics (tree height, basal diameter, diameter at breast height, diameter at 3 meter height, stem straightness degree, crown breadth, crown height, branch angle, branch number per node, bark thickness, and stem volume) were investigated in a 38-year-old Korean pine clonal trial at Naozhi orchard. A statistical approach combining variance and regression analysis was used to extract appropriate traits for selecting elite clones. Results of variance analysis showed significant difference in variance sources in most of the traits, except for the stem straightness degree, which had a p-value of 0.94. Moderate to high coefficients of variation and clonal repeatability ranged from 10.73% to 35.45% and from 0.06% to 0.78%, respectively. Strong significant correlations on the phenotypic and genotypic levels were observed between the straightness traits and tree volume, but crown breadth was weakly correlated to the volume. Four principal components retaining up to 80% of the total variation were extracted, and stem volume, basal diameter, diameter at breast height, diameter at 3 meter height, tree height, and crown height displayed high correlation to these components (r ranged from 0.76 to 0.98). Based on the Type III sum of squares, tree height, diameter at breast height, and branch number showed significant information to explain the clonal variability based on stem volume. Using the extracted characteristics as the selection index, six clones (PK105, PK59, PK104, PK36, PK28, and K101) displayed the highest Qi values, with a selection rate of 5% corresponding to the genetic gain of 42.96% in stem volume. This study provides beneficial information for the selection of multiple traits for genetically improved genotypes of Korean pine.


Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 380
Author(s):  
Karol Bronisz ◽  
Szymon Bijak ◽  
Rafał Wojtan ◽  
Robert Tomusiak ◽  
Agnieszka Bronisz ◽  
...  

Information about tree biomass is important not only in the assessment of wood resources but also in the process of preparing forest management plans, as well as for estimating carbon stocks and their flow in forest ecosystems. The study aimed to develop empirical models for determining the dry mass of the aboveground parts of black locust trees and their components (stem, branches, and leaves). The research was carried out based on data collected in 13 stands (a total of 38 sample trees) of black locust located in western Poland. The model system was developed based on multivariate mixed-effect models using two approaches. In the first approach, biomass components and tree height were defined as dependent variables, while diameter at breast height was used as an independent variable. In the second approach, biomass components and diameter at breast height were dependent variables and tree height was defined as the independent variable. Both approaches enable the fixed-effect and cross-model random-effect prediction of aboveground dry biomass components of black locust. Cross-model random-effect prediction was obtained using additional measurements of two extreme trees, defined as trees characterized by the smallest and largest diameter at breast height in sample plot. This type of prediction is more precise (root mean square error for stem dry biomass for both approaches equals 77.603 and 188.139, respectively) than that of fixed-effects prediction (root mean square error for stem dry biomass for both approaches equals 238.716 and 206.933, respectively). The use of height as an independent variable increases the possibility of the practical application of the proposed solutions using remote data sources.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julissa Rojas-Sandoval ◽  
Pedro Acevedo-Rodríguez

Abstract C. procera is a fleshy evergreen shrub about 1.8-5.5 m tall, with a diameter at breast height of 15-20 cm (von Maydell, 1986). The flowers are pale green to white, with purple tips. A fibre obtained from the bark is used to make lines, bow-strings and twine; it can also be spun with cotton, or used to stuff mattresses and pillows. The fibre is strengthened by soaking in water for 1-2 days, but extensive soaking may reduce durability. The wood is of small dimensions and is too light for most uses. C. procera produces a distinctive white latex, which contains cardiotoxins and hydrocarbons with many medicinal and pesticidal properties. C. procera has been widely planted for fibre production and has become naturalized on the American and Australian continents. It is often abundant on degraded areas and is an indicator of overgrazing. C. procera is a widespread pioneer in semi-desert grassland and bushland (e.g. in Africa), and it also colonizes shifting sand-dunes such as in Rajasthan, India. However, due to its properties as a pioneer, there is a risk that this species may become a weed. More research is needed on C. procera to maximize production and marketing of its many potential products.


2021 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karoline Paulino Costa ◽  
Messulan Rodrigues Meira ◽  
Silma Leite Rocha ◽  
Thaíse Ohana Moura Fernandes ◽  
Ernane Ronie Martins

ABSTRACT Dimorphandra mollis is native to the Brazilian Savanna and has social, economic and environmental importance. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and diametric distribution of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. in the Pandeiros River Environmental Protection Area, in Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Five areas were assessed, totaling five hectares (50 plots of 1,000 m2). The total number of plants, yield per plant (2018, 2019 and 2020) and diameter at breast height were recorded, considering all trees from the plots in diametric classes. The average diameter at breast height of all plants was 6.05 ± 3.07 cm, and that of the plants that produced in at least one of the evaluated years was 7.46 ± 3.15 cm. The diametric distribution showed classes with no individuals, indicating imbalance, as well as a trend to inverted “J” shape. The maximum annual yield was 8.08 kg ha-1 of dry fruits (2019), the minimum 0.42 kg ha-1 (2018), and the average 2.74 kg ha-1, with biennial characteristic.


2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 985-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Gastauer ◽  
Marcos Eduardo Guerra Sobral ◽  
João Augusto Alves Meira-Neto

According to its owners, the Forest of Seu Nico (FSN) from the Viçosa municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil, never has been logged and is therefore considered a primary forest. Nevertheless, the forest patch suffered impacts due to selective wood and non-timber extraction, fragmentation and isolation. Aim of this study was to test if the FSN, despite impacts, preserved characteristics of primary forests, which are elevated percentages of non-pioneer (>90%), animal-dispersed (>80 %), understory (>50%) and endemic species (~40%). For that, all trees with diameter at breast height equal or major than 3.2 cm within a plot of 100 x 100 m were identified. With 218 tree species found within this hectare, the FSN's species richness is outstanding for the region. The percentages of non-pioneer (92 %), animal-dispersed (85 %), understory (55 %) and endemic species (39.2 %) from the FSN fulfill the criteria proposed for primary forest. Therefore, we conclude that the FSN maintained its characteristics as a primary forest which highlights its importance for the conservation of biotic resources in the region, where similar fragments are lacking or not described yet.


2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (1-6) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. P. S. Dhillon ◽  
Avtar Singh ◽  
Pritpal Singh ◽  
D. S. Sidhu

Abstract Results from clonal trials of Populus deltoides conducted in two distinct agroclimatic regions of Punjab in northwestern India are reported and discussed. Sixteen clones were evaluated at Hambran and Bathinda where commonly grown clone ‘G-48’ was considered as control. Significant differences among clones (P < 0.001) were observed for diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height and volume at the age of four and six years under both the site conditions. Clone ‘L-48’ ranked first for volume at six year age at both sites and was followed by clone ‘Ranikhet’. The respective superiority for volume of these clones over control was 44.8 and 23.2 per cent at Hambran and 72.5 and 30.7 per cent at Bathinda. All growth traits registered significantly higher values at Hambran in comparison to those at Bathinda. Clone x site interaction was also significant (P < 0.001). The clones ‘L-168’, ‘154/86’, ‘Solan-z’ and ‘170/88’ experienced huge fluctuation in ranking between sites for volume at 6-year age. The DBH and height showed significant and positive correlation with each other and with tree volume at all the age combinations. The clonal mean heritability was quite high both at Hambran (0.73-0.86) and Bathinda (0.80-0.95). The genetic advance were the highest for volume (33.34-64.26%) and the lowest (10.65-22.79%) in case of height.


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