Modeling increased height, diameter, and specific gravity effects on yield estimates in planted loblolly pine stands

Increased growth of Pinus taeda L. plantations is expected from genetic improvement and intensified cultural practice. It is necessary for forest managers to have a means for estimating the yield of forest stands after increased growth occurs. Several models were tested to determine which could best predict dry weight yield after certain constant growth increases were assumed. The data used consisted of 189, one-tenth acre sample plots taken in loblolly pine plantations located in piedmont and coastal plain Virginia, and coastal plain Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina. Constant growth increases in diameter, height, and wood density were considered. The models considered were multiple regression and the diameter distribution approach using the beta distribution. Under the diameter distribution approach alternatives involving a piecewise integration over diameter class limits and a "unified" approach were considered. The models were compared to each other and to expected yield increases when determining their consistency, accuracy, flexibility, and simplicity. Recommendations concerning the different models were made.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Forest Biometrics

Department dc:contributor.department

Forest Biometrics

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1973

Author dc:creator

• Tisdale, Harold Thomas

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/74113

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/74113