Compatible Taper and Volume Systems Based on Volume Ratio Models for Four Pine Species in Oaxaca Mexico

Abstract

Estimating tree volume components is an essential element in sustainable forest management. Compatible taper and merchantable outside-bark volume systems based on volume ratio models were globally fitted to four pine species (reduced models) with the aim to select the best reduced model and to fit it with dummy variables and additive effects using Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl as a base species. The study was carried out in the northern mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. To fit the taper, merchantable volume, stem volume, branch volume, and total tree volume (stem volume and branch volume) equations, a taper dataset of 222, 230, 245, and 333 trees of Pinus douglasiana Martínez (Pd), Pinus oaxacana Mirov (Po), Pinus patula Schltd (Pp), and Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl (Pps), respectively, was used. In general, the compatible systems explained more than 97% in the observed variability for the four studied components: outside-bark diameter (d), merchantable outside-bark volume (Vm), stem outside-bark volume (Vs), and total tree volume (Vt). Alternatively, more than 52% of the observed variability for branch volume (Vb) was also explained. The developed compatible systems based on volume ratio models are a simple and consistent alternative for estimating the outside-bark diameter and variable outside-bark volume, as well as the components of commercial species for uneven-age and mixed-species forests in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Evaluation of Different Modeling Approaches to Estimating Total Bole Volume for <em>Pinus occidentalis, </em>Swartz in Different Ecological Zones

“…The SH model has been found to perform well in predicting stem volume for many species and genera in diverse environments [18]. Castillo-López et al [19] and Valerio-Hernández et al [19] used this model in studying volume equations for pine species in Mexico and Nicaragua. Based on the evaluation criteria, this study's nonlinear version (SH02) and the nonlinear weighted variant (SH03) of the SH model performed best.…”

Development of Stem Volume Equation for Urban Trees of Abomey-Calavi in Southern Benin (West Africa)

“…The upper section started at 1.30 m above the ground, here, the diameter outside bark was measured at 1 m interval up to the maximum height measurable using a ladder and climbing techniques [32]. These measurements were considered to describe tree profile in the lower section in which taper changes so rapidly low on the bole [36].…”