scholarly journals Growth and Yield Models for Balsa Wood Plantations in the Coastal Lowlands of Ecuador

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Álvaro Cañadas-López ◽  
Diana Rade-Loor ◽  
Marianna Siegmund-Schultze ◽  
Geovanny Moreira-Muñoz ◽  
J. Jesús Vargas-Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Degraded Land ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Balsa Wood ◽  
Growth And Yield Models ◽  
Volume Models ◽  
Coastal Lowlands

Balsa trees are native to neotropical forests and frequently grow on fallow, degraded land. Balsa can be used for economic and ecological rehabilitation of farmland with the aim of restoring native forest ecosystems. Although Ecuador is the world’s largest producer of balsa, there is a lack of knowledge about production indicators for management of balsa stands in the country. The aim of this study was to develop growth and yield models (i.e., site index (SI) curves and stem volume models) for balsa plantations in the coastal lowlands of Ecuador. Balsa trees growing in 2161 plots in seven provinces were sampled. Here we present the first growth and yield models for the native, although underutilized, balsa tree. Three curve models were fitted to determine SI for balsa stands, differentiating five site quality classes. Eight volume models were compared to identify the best fit model for balsa stands. The mean annual increment was used to assess balsa production. The generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) equation yielded one of the best results for the height–age and diameter–age models. The Newnham model was the best volume model for balsa in this comparative study. The maximum annual increment (i.e., for the best stand index) was reached in the second year of plantation. The fitted models can be used to support management decisions regarding balsa plantations. However, the models are preliminary and must be validated with independent samples. Nevertheless, the very fast development of the native balsa tree is particularly promising and should attract more attention from forest owners and politicians.

scholarly journals Comprehensive yield model for plantation teak in Panama

Silva Fennica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petteri Seppänen ◽  
Antti Mäkinen
Keyword(s):  
Input Parameter ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Yield Model ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
Volume Models

The purpose of this study was to prepare a comprehensive, computerized teak ( L.f) plantation yield model system that can be used to describe the forest dynamics, predict growth and yield and support forest planning and decision-making. Extensive individual tree and permanent sample plot data were used to develop tree-level volume models, taper curve models and stand-level yield models for teak plantations in Panama. Tree volume models were satisfactorily validated against independent measurement data and other published models. Tree height as input parameter improved the stem volume model marginally. Stand level yield models produced comparable harvest volumes with models published in the literature. Stand level volume product outputs were found like actual harvests with an exception that the models marginally underestimate the share of logs in very large diameter classes. The kind of comprehensive model developed in this study and implemented in an easy to use software package provides a very powerful decision support tool. Optimal forest management regimes can be found by simulating different planting densities, thinning regimes and final harvest ages. Forest practitioners can apply growth and yield models in the appropriate stand level inventory data and perform long term harvest scheduling at property level or even at an entire timberland portfolio level. Harvest schedules can be optimized using the applicable financial parameters (silviculture costs, harvesting costs, wood prices and discount rates) and constraints (market size and operational capacity).Tectona grandis

scholarly journals A Dynamic Stand Growth Model System for Loblolly Pine Responding to Mid-Rotation Treatments

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 556
Author(s):  
Mauricio Zapata-Cuartas ◽  
Bronson P. Bullock ◽  
Cristian R. Montes ◽  
Michael B. Kane
Keyword(s):  
Growth Model ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Model System ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Plantation Management ◽  
Vegetation Control ◽  
Dominant Height

Intensive loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation management in the southeastern United States includes mid-rotation silvicultural practices (MRSP) like thinning, fertilization, competitive vegetation control, and their combinations. Consistent and well-designed long-term studies considering interactions of MRSP are required to produce accurate projections and evaluate management decisions. Here we use longitudinal data from the regional Mid-Rotation Treatment study established by the Plantation Management Research Cooperative (PMRC) at the University of Georgia across the southeast U.S. to fit and validate a new dynamic model system rooted in theoretical and biological principles. A Weibull pdf was used as a modifier function coupled with the basal area growth model. The growth model system and error projection functions were estimated simultaneously. The new formulation results in a compatible and consistent growth and yield system and provides temporal responses to treatment. The results indicated that the model projections reproduce the observed behavior of stand characteristics. The model has high predictive accuracy (the cross-validation variance explained was 96.2%, 99.7%, and 98.6%; and the prediction root mean square distance was 0.704 m, 19.1 trees ha−1, and 1.03 m2ha−1 for dominant height (DH), trees per hectare (N), and basal area (BA), respectively), and can be used to project the current stand attributes following combinations of MRSP and with different thinning intensities. Simulations across southern physiographic regions allow us to conclude that the most overall ranking of MRSP after thinning is fertilization + competitive vegetation control (Fert + CVC) > fertilization only (Fert) > competitive vegetation control only (CVC), and Fert + CVC show less than additive effect. Because of the model structure, the response to treatment changes with location, age of application, and dominant height growth as indicators of site quality. Therefore, the proposed model adequately represents regional growth conditions.

Deriving Tree Diameter Growth and Probability of Survival Equations from Successive Diameter Distributions

2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Matney ◽  
Emily B. Schultz
Keyword(s):  
General Procedure ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Statistical Probability ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Tree Diameter ◽  
Growth And Yield Models ◽  
Diameter Distributions

Abstract Many growth and yield models have used statistical probability distributions to estimate the diameter distribution of a stand at any age. Equations for approximating individual tree diameter growth and survival probabilities from dbh can be derived from these models. A general procedure for determining the functions is discussed and illustrated using a loblolly pine spacing study. The results from the spacing study show that it is possible to define tree diameter growth and survival probability functions from diameter distributions with an accuracy sufficient to obtain a link between the individual tree and diameter growth and yield models.

A Growth and Yield Model for Improved Eastern Cottonwood Plantations in the Lower Mississippi Delta

1991 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quang V. Cao ◽  
Kenneth M. Durand
Keyword(s):  
Populus Deltoides ◽  
Mississippi Delta ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Yield Model ◽  
Eastern Cottonwood ◽  
Volume Yield ◽  
Growth And Yield Model

Abstract A compatible growth and yield model was developed based on remeasurement data collected from 183 plots on unthinned improved eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Bartr.) plantations in the lower Mississippi Delta. The Sullivan and Clutter (1972) equation form was selected for predicting cubic-foot volume yield and projecting volume from site index and initial age and basal area. Yield equations explained 97% and 94%, respectively, of the variations in total outside bark and merchantable inside bark volumes. Mean annual increment of merchantable volume culminated between 8 and 15 years, depending on site index and initial basal area. South. J. Appl. For. 15(4):213-216.

scholarly journals A Novel Approach to Modelling Stand-Level Growth of an Even-Aged Forest Using a Volume Productivity Index with Application to New Zealand-Grown Coast Redwood

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark O. Kimberley ◽  
Michael S. Watt
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Growth Model ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Productivity Index ◽  
Site Quality ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variation ◽  
Coast Redwood

Empirical growth models are widely used to predict the growth and yield of plantation tree species, and the precise estimation of site quality is an important component of these models. The most commonly used proxy for site quality in growth models is Site Index (SI), which describes the mean height of dominant trees at a specified base age. Although SI is widely used, considerable research shows significant site-dependent variation in height for a given volume, with this latter variable more closely reflecting actual site productivity. Using a national dataset, this study develops and describes a stand-level growth and yield model for even-aged New Zealand-grown coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). We used a novel modelling approach that quantifies site quality using SI and a volume-based index termed the 300 Index, defined as the volume mean annual increment at age 30 years for a reference regime of 300 stems ha−1. The growth model includes a number of interrelated components. Mean top height is modelled from age and SI using a polymorphic Korf function. A modified anamorphic Korf function is used to describe tree quadratic mean diameter (Dq) as a function of age, stand density, SI and a diameter site index. As the Dq model includes stand density in its formulation, it can predict tree growth for different stand densities and thinning regimes. The mortality model is based on a simple attritional equation improved through incorporation of the Reineke stand density index to account for competition-induced mortality. Using these components, the model precisely estimates stand-level volume. The developed model will be of considerable value to growers for yield projection and regime evaluation. By more robustly describing the site effect, the growth model provides researchers with an improved framework for quantifying and understanding the causes of spatial and temporal variation in plantation productivity.

scholarly journals Generic and specific stem volume models for three subtropical forest types in southern Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 865-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C. Vibrans ◽  
Paolo Moser ◽  
Laio Z. Oliveira ◽  
João P. de Maçaneiro
Keyword(s):  
Subtropical Forest ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Volume Models

scholarly journals Spatial Tree Mapping Using Photography

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam R. Dick ◽  
John A. Kershaw ◽  
David A. MacLean
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Location ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Absolute Distance ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Visualization Software ◽  
Dependent Growth ◽  
Spatial Locations ◽  
Growth And Yield Models ◽  
Field Plots ◽  
Forest Conditions

Abstract Stem maps describing the spatial location of trees sampled in a forest inventory are used increasingly to model relationships between neighboring trees in distance-dependent growth and yield models, as well as in stand visualization software. Current techniques and equipment available to acquire tree spatial locations prohibit widespread application because they are time-consuming, costly, and prone to measurement error. In this report, we present a technique to derive stem maps from a series of digital photographs processed to form a seamless 360° panorama plot image. Processes are described to derive distance from plot center and azimuth to each plot tree. The technique was tested on 46 field plots (1,398 sample trees) under a range of forest conditions and compared with traditional methods. Average absolute distance error was 0.38 ± 0.44 m, and average absolute azimuth error was 2.3 ± 2.5°. Computed average horizontal accuracy was 0.40 ± 0.42 m, with 85% of measured trees being within 0.5 m of the field-measured tree location.

scholarly journals Biomass and Volume Modeling along with Carbon Concentration Variations of Short-Rotation Poplar Plantations

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihu Dong ◽  
Faris Rafi Almay Widagdo ◽  
Longfei Xie ◽  
Fengri Li
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Sink ◽  
Biomass Conversion ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
National Forest Inventory ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Crown Length ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Volume Models

Short-rotation forestry is of interest to provide biomass for bioenergy and act as a carbon sink to mitigate global warming. The Poplar tree (Populus × xiaohei) is a fast-growing and high-yielding tree species in Northeast China. In this study, a total of 128 Populus × xiaohei trees from the Songnen Plain, Heilongjiang Province, Northeastern China, were harvested. Several available independent variables, such as tree diameter at breast height (D), tree’s total height (H), crown width (CW), and crown length (CL), were differently combined to develop three additive biomass model systems and eight stem volume models for Populus × xiaohei tree. Variance explained within the three additive biomass model systems ranged from 83% to 98%, which was lowest for the foliage models, and highest for the stem biomass models. Similar findings were found in the stem volume models, in which the models explained more than 94% of the variance. The additional predictors, such as H, CL, or CW, evidently enhanced the model fitting and performance for the total and components biomass along with the stem volume models. Furthermore, the biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEFs) of the root (118.2 kg/m3), stem (380.2 kg/m3), branch (90.7 kg/m3), and foliage (31.2 kg/m3) were also calculated. The carbon concentrations of Populus × xiaohei in root, stem, branch, and foliage components were 45.98%, 47.74%, 48.32%, and 48.46%, respectively. Overall, the newly established models in this study provided complete and comprehensive tools for quantifying the biomass and stem volume of Populus × xiaohei, which might be essential to be specifically utilized in the Chinese National Forest Inventory.

scholarly journals Loblolly and Slash Pine Growth and Yield Prediction for Regional Timber Supply Projection Algorithms

1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 230-237
Author(s):  
Bruce E. Borders ◽  
Jeffrey B. Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Yield Prediction ◽  
Projection Algorithms ◽  
Timber Supply ◽  
Usda Forest Service ◽  
Forest Inventory And Analysis ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Growth And Yield Models

Abstract Regional and national timber supply models require standing inventory update procedures. To date, most inventory update procedures used in regional timber supply algorithms have not made use of growth and yield methodology. We present growth and yield models to update standing inventories for natural and planted slash and loblolly pine stands in Georgia. These models were fitted to USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data obtained from the sixth survey of Georgia and should prove useful in regional timber supply projection algorithms. South. J. Appl. For. 23(4):230-237.

scholarly journals Growth and yield models for eucalyptus stands obtained by differential equations

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 364-370
Author(s):  
Adriano Ribeiro de Mendonça ◽  
Natalino Calegario ◽  
Gilson Fernandes da Silva ◽  
Samuel de Pádua Chaves e Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Differential Equations ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Growth And Yield Models
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document