Trigonometric Variable-Form Taper Equations for Australian Eucalypts

Author: Bi H.

Source: Forest Science, Volume 46, Number 3, 1 August 2000 , pp. 397-409(13)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

This article introduces a new variable-form taper model that is stable in specification yet flexible in its ability to fit data for species and trees with different stem forms. The base function is constructed from trigonometric volume-ratio equations following the geometry of a tree stem. The specification for the exponent includes variables for depicting changes in stem form along a stem and variables for taking into account differences in stem form among trees of different sizes. This model is fitted to data from 25 species of Australian eucalypts and is compared with Kozak's taper model to demonstrate its characteristics: stability in specification, flexibility in fitting data for species and trees with varying stem forms and accurate predictions of taper and merchantable height. FOR. SCI. 46(3): 397–409.

Keywords: Power function; trigonometric base function; trigonometric exponent function; stem form; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Affiliations: 1: senior research scientist Forest Research and Development Division, State Forests of NSW, P.O. Box 100 Beecroft, NSW, 2119, Australia, Phone: 61 2 9872 0168; Fax: 61 2 9871 6941 huiquanb@sf.nsw.gov.au

Publication date: 2000-08-01

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