Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

The Max-Burkhart taper equation was used to develop compatible taper and volume equations for semi-intensive plantation grown loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees in East Texas. Semi-intensive plantations in East Texas are characterized by some form of mechanical site preparation, a burn, possibly chemical weed control, improved seedlings if planted after 1985, and, possibly, a midrotation thinning and/or fertilization. The equations in this study were compared with those of Lenhart et al. [Lenhart, J.D., T.L. Hackett, C.J. Laman, T.J. Wiswell, and J.A. Blackard. 1987. Tree content and taper functions for loblolly and slash pine trees planted on non-old field in east Texas. South J. Appl. For. 10(2)109 –112.] and Baldwin and Feduccia [Baldwin, V.C. Jr., and D.P. Feduccia. 1991. Compatible tree-volume and upper-stem diameter equations for loblolly and slash pines in the West Gulf Region. South. J. Appl. For. 10(2)109 –112.] using independent data. The new equations ranked first (sum of ranks 9) in terms of percent bias and percent SEE for inside-bark predictions of upper-stem diameters and cubic-foot volumes, while the Lenhart et al. [Lenhart, J.D., T.L. Hackett, C.J. Laman, T.J. Wiswell, and J.A. Blackard. 1987. Tree content and taper functions for loblolly and slash pine trees planted on non-old field in east Texas. South J. Appl. For. 10(2)109 –112.] ranked second (sum of ranks 17) and Baldwin and Feduccia [Baldwin, V.C. Jr., and D.P. Feduccia. 1991. Compatible tree-volume and upper-stem diameter equations for loblolly and slash pines in the West Gulf Region. South. J. Appl. For. 10(2)109 –112.] ranked third (sum of ranks 22). For outside-bark predictions of volumes and diameters, Baldwin and Feduccia [Baldwin, V.C. Jr., and D.P. Feduccia. 1991. Compatible tree-volume and upper-stem diameter equations for loblolly and slash pines in the West Gulf Region. South. J. Appl. For. 10(2)109 –112.] ranked first (sum of ranks 12), while the new equations ranked a close second (sum of ranks 13) and Lenhart et al. [Lenhart, J.D., T.L. Hackett, C.J. Laman, T.J. Wiswell, and J.A. Blackard. 1987. Tree content and taper functions for loblolly and slash pine trees planted on non-old field in east Texas. South J. Appl. For. 10(2)109 –112.] ranked third (sum of ranks 20). We recommend using the new equations for loblolly pine trees up to a 16-in. dbh and provide examples to illustrate their use.

Comments

Coble, D.W. and K. Hilpp. 2006. Compatible cubic-foot stem volume and upper-stem diameter equations for semi-intensive loblolly pine trees in east Texas. Southern Journal of Applied Forestry 30(3):132-141.

Posted with permission from the Society of American Foresters

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