Stem Taper and Volume of Managed Red Alder
Authors: Hibbs, David; Bluhm, Andrew; Garber, Sean
Source: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 22, Number 1, January 2007 , pp. 61-66(6)
Abstract:
Ataper equation and a volume table are presented for red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) trees grown in plantations. Fourteen diameter measurements from each of 234 trees were collected from nine plantations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Diameter inside bark (dib) along the stem was fitted to a variable exponent model form. Individual tree merchantable volume was then estimated as volume inside bark by integrating the taper function from 6 in. (stump height) to the height at a 5-in. (diameter outside bark) top. Incorporating two easily measured tree variables—dbh and total tree height—provided an accurate fit. Model results and the use of an independent evaluation data set of plantation-grown trees indicated that the model presented here was a better predictor of dib in managed stands than previously published red alder taper equations. This equation provides reliable dib and merchantable volume predictions and is an improvement over previous red alder volume and taper equations.Keywords: red alder; taper equation; volume tables; stem form
Document Type: Research article
