Field and computer techniques for stem analysis of coniferous forest trees /

Abstract

1975. Field and computer techniques for stem analysis of coniferous forest trees. USDA For. Serv. Res. Pap. PNW-194, 51 p., illus. Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Portland, Oregon. Field and computer techniques for stem analysis adaptable to both youngand old-growth conifers are presented. Field instructions include a step-by-step explanation of tree cutting, sectioning, ring count, and measurement techniques. A computer program adapted to field techniques reproportions a tree's radial measurement data, calculates height-agesite index information, punches the reproportioned and height-age-site index information on cards, and plots height-age and stem profile graphs. These stem analysis techniques are adaptable to trees of any size up to 800 years old and to either American or metric measures. These instructions enhance the usefulness of the stem analysis research method in obtaining growth information for forest managers.

SAPP: A Computer Program for Plotting Stem Analysis

“…When the analysis is conducted manually, data are particularly prone to errors during their transfer and calculation. However, the measuring, calculation and plotting process is for the most part routine and repetitive, and is well suited for automation and computer application, saving both time and labour, as well as improving accuracy (Brace and Magar 1968, Herman et a/. 1975, Graham 1980, Jordan and Ballance 1983.…”