Stand Bole Volume ©

Estimates of volumes for different types, qualities and sub-samples of stands are essential for effective forest production management. These estimates will assist in the determination of potential product harvests, but may also be useful for estimating the amount of carbon locked up in the forests - important in green-house gass studies and fire research. Estimates of stand bole volume integrate information on stand structure - DBHOB and stocking or stand basal area, stand height and stand taper. They may also incorporate information about harvesting practice if harvestable volume is used.

In estimating stand volume, it is essential to realise that:

Thus, the 'blow-up' factor in estimating stand volume (in expanding the estimate from the sample to the population) is great. In addition, at each stage of sampling, errors can arise from various sources. All of these factors combine to impose limitations on the inferences that can be drawn about the population. Keep in mind that an estimate of volume within ± 10% of true is good, and yet a 10% error in the estimate will throw out a cutting program by one year in a ten-year cutting cycle.

Methods of estimating stand volume

Generally, there are 2 approaches to estimating stand volume:

Sample tree method

Sample tree methods are restricted in practice to even-aged monospecific stands. A reasonable estimate of stand volume, without an unduly large sample, is only achieved by these methods in homogeneous stands.

The underlying theory is to isolate the tree of mean volume in the stand and carefully measure its volume, then multiply by the number of trees in the stand. An alternative approach is to calculate the volume per unit of basal area of the mean tree and multiply this value by G to derive stand volume.

In principle, the method is simple and direct. In practice, difficulty is encountered in finding the tree of mean volume. Sampling is necessary. If this sampling is done objectively, a number of trees will be required to give any chance of securing a reasonable estimate of mean tree volume. On the other hand, subjective sampling may give as good a result with many fewer sample trees. The ultimate is to sample one tree only.

Various clues are available to aid selection of the tree of mean volume, namely:

  1. mean g
  2. mean h
  3. information on taper and bark thickness.
Of these, information on (1) is more readily available than (2), and (2) than (3).

It is pointless spending too much time obtaining refined estimates of mean g, mean h, mean taper, etc. of the stand because, for mathematical reasons, the tree with these characteristics, even if it does exist, will not have mean tree volume, the reason being that the product of means is not equal to the mean of products. Thus, the method has a fundamental limitation.

As the tree of exact mean volume is unlikely to exist physically in the stand, it is more appropriate to select two or three or more trees of dimensions comparable with the mean dimensions of trees in the stand, measure their volumes directly, and take the mean. However, the more trees taken, the more the essential simplicity of the method is lost.

The simple arithmetic mean tree method is still used sometimes in resource inventory and preliminary working plan inventory of even-aged stands. It is useful in extension forestry for quick, cheap estimates of stand volume.

One variation of the arithmetic mean tree method is to apply it independently to groups or strata in the stand based on diameter class or basal area class. The strata should be set up to contain an equal number of trees or an equal total basal area. Stand volume is then obtained by summing the class volumes.

Tree volume tables

Measuring the volume of individual trees based on sections is one of the most accurate means of determining volume. However, for practical application, most measurement tasks require a simpler, faster method which may not be as accurate but which will give estimates within acceptable limits of error.

The solution to this requirement lies in establishing relationships between the volumes of trees or sections and easily measured tree dimensions. Estimation of the volume of a tree or section then consists of measuring the appropriate dimensions and reading the corresponding volume from a graph, table or formula.

A tree volume table is thus a statement of the expected volume of a tree of particular dimensions in a particular stand or population. The application of the table depends on the variables embodied in it, e.g. a table based on d only will apply to a specific stand; whereas one based on d, h, bark thickness and an expression of taper may apply to a range of species over a range of conditions if these variables adequately account for the variation in tree volume.

The essential purpose of a tree volume table is to estimate the volume of standing trees. A volume table reduces the tedious task of measuring individual tree volumes to the relatively simple task of measuring a few dimensions on the trees encountered.

Tables may either be direct reading or indirect reading. Direct reading tables are presented most often in tabular form but tables presented as graphs or alignment charts (see later) are not uncommon. The volume equation is the mathematical expression of the indirect reading volume table, e.g.,

  V = a + b.g + c.h+ d.g.h.
A volume table should not be expected to give the volume of a tree to the same level of reliability as direct measurement. It should, however, reliably estimate the average volume of a number of trees. The more independent variables used, the more reliable the table should be for application to the individual tree.

Volume tables are compiled by graphical or mathematical analysis of sample tree data. The common dependent variables are total volume, merchantable volume and pruned section volume and the common independent variables are d, total or merchantable h, an expression of taper (e.g. dub1.5 m - dub4.5 m), and an expression of bark thickness at approximately breast height.

Graphical and tabular volume tables are referred to as 1-way, 2-way, etc., depending on the number of independent variables used. Use of the terms local, standard, regional, general, and universal should be discouraged because the scope of application, and the number of independent variables, are not necessarily connected: it all depends on how well those variables embodied in the table account for variation in tree volume.

Features of a good volume table

A good volume table or volume function should contain:

1-Way Tree Volume Tables

DBHOB (d ) is the obvious and conventional independent variable. Volume is a function of d, h, and form, so a 1-way table will be reliable only if h and the form of the trees assessed for volume are related to d and approximate the values implied in the table for the various diameter classes.

Three types of 1-way table are common in even-aged stands, viz. volume curve, volume line and tariffs.

Volume Curve

The volume curve is based on establishing the relationship between v and d. Usually, the relationship is curvilinear and convex to the abscissa.

The relationship is established based on sample trees selected on a stratified random basis, the curve of best fit being located by eye or calculated e.g.

  Log v  = a + b d             )
      v  = a + b log d         ) Equations 
      v  = a + b d + c d 2     ) worth
      v  = a d b               ) testing	
  Log v  = a + b log d         )
Procedure for application to an enumerated stand is to read off the volume of the tree with dbhob equivalent to that at the mid-point of each diameter class in the stand table and derive class volume. Stand volume then the sum of each class volume.

Volume line (= v /g line)

The volume line is a simple linear regression of v on g of the form:
  v = a + b g.
It applies if the shape of the volume curve (v /d) is a second degree parabola. The second degree paraboloid shape holds true for total volume u.b. or merchantable volume u.b. to 15 cm dub (or less) of many plantation conifers in Australia. It is also true in even-aged stands of a number of eucalypt species, e.g. regrowth blackbutt at Pine Creek S.F.R., NSW. The volume curve may not be a 2nd degree parabola in young conifer stands, particularly in areas of poor site quality, and for volume ub to limits >15 cm. In these cases the relationship of v vs. g may be curvilinear.

The main advantage of the volume line over the volume curve is that the line is easier to fit by eye and fewer observations are needed to establish it.

The regression is best calculated by the method of least squares. Fitting the line by eye may introduce bias depending on the variability of the data and the experience of the operator.In practice, the volume line for a stand is established from sample trees. Although objective selection of the sample is desirable to avoid bias, subjective selection is widely adopted in practice. For example, the operator, after looking at the variation in each diameter class, proceeds to select average trees from each class. This reduces the size of sample to a minimum. Bias can be kept under reasonable control if the operator is familiar with the population.

Hooke (1963) and Demaerschalk and Kozak (1974) suggest that when the relationship is known to be linear, the best estimates of the slope of the regression line are obtained when half of the observations are taken at each end of the range of the independent variable. When there is any doubt about linearity, the observations should be distributed over the whole range either uniformly or with a greater concentration of observations towards the ends of the range.

The normal procedure in processing the data is to plot the values in the field as a check on the assumption of linearity, atypical sample trees, and errors, and calculate the regression later in the office.

The volume line for a particular stand is a 1-way volume table for that stand at that time. The volume of any tree in the stand can be calculated by substituting its g in the equation or reading from the graph. Stand volume is derived by summing the individual tree volumes or substituting in the formula:

      V = N*a + b* (sum of all g)
							
where V	= stand volume
      N 	= number of trees in the stand 
     (sum of all g)	= stand baob (= G)
      and a and b are the regression constants.
											
The above equation is derived as follows:
    Tree 1         v1	= a + b g1
    Tree 2         v2	= a + b g2
		   ..            ..     ..
		   ..            ..     ..
    Tree n         vn = a + b gn
               ___________________  
  Thus        Sum Vol = N*a + b*(sum of g)
The volume line is used extensively in forest assessment throughout the world.

Tariffs

The term 'tarif' is arabic in origin and means 'tabulated information'. The term has been used for years in continental Europe to refer to volume table systems that provide, directly or indirectly, a convenient means of obtaining a 1-way table for a given stand.

A tariff comprises a series of volume curves or lines relating diameter at breast height, tariff number and volume. Knowing the first two, one can read off volume.

The great value of tariffs, if the tariff applicable to a particular stand at a particular time can be determined, is that there is little or no need for sample trees to compile the appropriate volume curve or line. Consequently methods of nominating tariffs are of considerable importance.

Method 1:

Method 2: Method 3 Work in NSW, Q'ld and South Australia as well as other parts of the world has indicated that these correlations are often linear for many species over a range of ages, sites and treatments .
i.e.,    a = k1 + k2 hdom                       (1)
 and     b = k3 + k4 hdom                       (2)

Substituting (1) and (2) in the formula 
         v = a + b g, we obtain:
         v = k1 + k2 hdom + k3 g + k4 hdom g     (3)
Note that equation (3) is of the same form as the 'Australian equation' (Spurr, 1952).

This method is now widely used in Australia and overseas for compiling tariffs.

V/g Relationship in Uneven Aged Stands

If the stand height curve remains constant with time and form factor does not vary, then the v /g relationship will also remain constant and a 1-way volume table can be used, the sole independent variable being d. Usually, however, the stand height curve moves upwards and to the right with time which means that the v/g relationship also changes. In this case, a 2-way volume table must be used. But if merchantable height can be assumed constant for all dbhob classes greater than a certain dbhob , and form factor does not alter, then a 1-way table is appropriate.

2-way Tree Volume Tables

The logical independent variables for a 2-way volume table are dbhob and some expression of height.

The table is compiled from sample tree information, the number of sample trees depending on:

Some tables are based on tens of thousands of sample trees and others on fewer than 100 trees.Selection of the sample trees should be done objectively to avoid bias. There may be some argument for subjective selection if the sample has to be small.Normally, the volumes of the sample trees are derived by a direct method, e.g., standard sectional method.

Now  v = g x h x F
 where 	v = tree volume (over or under bark)
  g  =  basal area (over or under bark)
  h  =  height
  F  =  form factor
Thus, if g and h are the independent variables, then the regular increase of v with (a) an increase in tree basal area (h constant) or (b) an increase in tree height (g constant) will depend on the behaviour of F.

If F is constant for a range of tree basal areas at a given height, then v varies linearly with g. If F varies in a regular way for a range of basal areas at a given height, then the volume/basal area relationship will be a simple curve. If F varies erratically, then the volume/basal area relationship will be complex.

In compiling a 2-way table, one seeks to detect the pattern of change of volume with change of basal area and height, and then to express it in the simplest and most efficient way.

Volume Table Compilation

The basic aim is to establish the relationship between tree volume and easily measured tree variables so that tree volume can be predicted simply, objectively and accurately.

Six phases of work are involved in preparing a table:

  1. Defining and then sampling the population
  2. Computing volume of sample trees
  3. Sorting data by classes
  4. Fitting a model
  5. Testing adequacy of fit
  6. Use of table (or function).
There are three main approaches to compiling volume tables, i.e. fitting a model:- Each of these three main methods can be approached by direct or indirect means. In the former, volume is the dependent variable; in the latter, form factor or taper is related first to diameter and height, and volume is deduced only from the result of that fit.

Indirect Approach to Volume Table Compilation

As an example of an indirect approach to volume table compilation, form factor tables have been developed for a number of exotic conifers in New Zealand as a basis for estimating tree volume.

The tables are derived by plotting mean form factor (tree volume u.b. expressed as a proportion of the volume of a cylinder of diameter equivalent to tree dbhob and height equal to tree height) against dbhob. Then, Volume = g x h x F

Regression analysis

Development of the science of statistics and the advent of electronic computers have made the graphical approach obsolete, and regression equations are now fitted to sample tree data to produce formulae that explicitly state the relationship between predicted tree volume and the predictor variables used. The regression technique is objective, requires fewer data than graphical analysis and is reasonably simple, but it is accurate only when relationships are skilfully established and sensibly applied.

Analysis is based on the premise that volume is related to the chosen independent variables according to a definite mathematical function, which, one hopes, will reveal itself from a series of samples. With graphic techniques, this mathematical function is not necessarily defined explicitly but it is implicit in the method. The function is present, but its expression and solution are handled graphically. When least squares fitting is used, the form of the equation expressing the relation of volume to size measurements must be decided on beforehand. The model must be sound biologically and mathematically. The constants giving the best fit for the chosen equation are then calculated.

The use of weighting is necessary when variances are not homogeneous. Weights are usually made inversely proportional to the known or assumed variance in volume about the regression surface. Weighting results in more precise estimates of the coefficients. Advantages of Regression Analysis

Models relating tree volume to various independent tree variables have been widely investigated but no single model has been found suitable for all species under all conditions. Most practitioners prefer to use volume (and weight) estimating equations that do not involve any measure of form. Such equations have the functional form v = f (d, h), and their application involves only the measurement of d and h. Formulae of this type are generally preferred over equations involving measures of form for several reasons: Equation Forms Commonly Used for Estimating Individual Tree Volumes (and Weights)
1.* Constant form factor y = b1*d^2  			 
2.# Combined variable    y = b1 + b1*d^2*h                                        
3.# Australian equation or generalised combined variable
                         y = b0 + b1*d^2 + b2*h + b3*d^2*h
4.* Logarithmic          y = b1*d^(b2)*h^(b3)      		
5.# Generalised logarithmic	
                         y = b0 + b1*d^(b2)*h^(b3)
6.* Honer transformed variable
                         y = d^2 / (b0 + b1*h^(-1)) 
7.# Form class           y = b0 + b1*d^2*h*f		 

* Generally used only for predicting total stem volume or weight. # More flexible - used for predicting total and merchantable stem volume or weight. y = some measure of stem content d = dbhob h = some measure of tree height f = an expression of tree form bo, b1, b2, b3 are coefficients.
We have evidence from graphical methods that a relationship exists between (i) v and g within height classes and (ii) v and h within diameter (baob) classes.

The most satisfactory regression is indicated by the form of the relationship between:

With many species, it has been found that the constants and co-efficients are linearly related to height, i.e.
	a = a1 + b1h  and 	b = a2 + b2h
- but as the regression of v on g is frequently linear, we can write:
	v 	= a + b.g
		= a1 + b1 h + (a2 + b2 h) g
		= a1 + b1 h + a2 g + b2h g
where g is tree baob.
This is the well known Australian Equation. A reduced form of the Australian Equation which often gives a satisfactory fit is the Combined Variable Equation: v = a + b. h g. The Combined Variable Equation implies a hyperbolic relationship between form factor and the product of tree height and basal area:
	v 	=   a + b. h g
  Thus  v /h g	=  a/h g + b
  i.e. 	F  	=  a/h g +  b  (equation to a hyperbola)
If form factor is constant, then a simple linear relationship between volume and the product of basal area and height will hold,
       i.e. v = a h g (which is the Form Factor Equation)
If the volume/basal area relationship for the various height classes is curvilinear or if the regression constants and coefficients of the volume/basal area lines are related to height in a curvilinear manner, then more complex multiple regression equations than the Australian Equation are required, e.g. powers of h and g, logarithmic expressions (see B. Husch 1963, "Forest Mensuration and Statistics"; S.H. Spurr 1952, "Forest Inventory").

For volume tables derived by least squares solution, accuracy (or reliability) is indicated by the correlation coefficient and is best judged by a Chi-Squared-test on a carefully selected sample. Precision is best judged by the standard error of the estimate.

In recent years, high speed computers have increased enormously the scope of investigations into suitable equations. The usual procedure now is to start with a comparatively simple model such as the Australian Equation, and use a standard test to determine what functions of diameter and height not included in the trial model show a significant correlation with the dependent variable. These variables are then added to the regression. In this fashion, the best possible volume equation for the sample at hand is established. An example of this is the "Second Growth Blackbutt Model" compiled by the NSW Forestry Commission. The general form of this model is:

  vT  =  a +  b.g  +  c.h  +  d.gh  +  e.h 2  +  f.gh 2
where 	vT 	= volume underbark (m3) above a 1.2 m stump
       	h	= bole height (m) above ground
and    	g 	= baob (m2).
The techniques recommended for fitting these models to sample tree data are summarised by Clutter et al. (1983) in "Timber Management - A Quantitative Approach". John Wiley & Sons. (p.24-26).

Under Australian conditions with plantation conifers, the Australian equation gives a satisfactory fit for total volume and merchantable volume to 10 cm and sometimes to 15 cm dub. The combined variable equation is almost as good.

Problems of curvilinearity arise if the merchantable limit is much greater than 10 cm or if the range of diameters (dbhob) is extensive. A wide diameter range was one problem Cromer, McIntyre and Lewis (1955) ran into with their General Volume Table for P. radiata. They overcame the problem by using three separate Australian equations to cover the full range of the data.

Incorporating the reciprocal of basal area in the Australian equation allows merchantable volumes to upper diameter limits (10, 12, 15 cm etc. top dub) to be computed more accurately (Spurr, 1952 ). This has been utilised by Vanclay and Shepherd (1983 - QFD Tech. Pap. No. 36) to develop volume functions for plantation species in Queensland, the model used being of the form:

  v  =  a + b. g  + c. hdom  +  d. g. hdom   + (e + f. hdom ) / (g + i)
where	    g  	=  tree BAOB
		hdom   	=  stand predominant height,
and a, b, c, d, e, f and i are constants.
This Queensland model actually predicts tree volume using both a tree and stand variable as input.

Volume to various utilisation limits is sometimes derived from total volume by means of conversion factors (CFs). These factors increase with diameter and may be computed from an exponential function of the form given below. A separate solution is needed for each merchantable limit.

		CF  =  a + be^(cd)
where	d is dbh
		a, b and c are coefficients
and	e is 2.7183.
The more usual practice, until quite recently, was to predict merchantable volume to varying merchantability limits by fitting a separate regression equation for each merchantability limit involved. Thus, for a single tree population, three different formulae would be involved for, say, prediction of merchantable volumes to 15 cm, 10 cm and 7 cm top dub.

In recent times, volume (and weight) prediction equations have been devceloped which include the merchantability limit as a further independent variable (e.g. Bary and Borough 1980 , Clutter et al. 1983). With equations of this type, predicted volumes to various merchantability limits can be obtained using a single equation, e.g.:

  vt  =  ((a1 + a2 d 2 + a3 h + a4d  2h) a5 h ) / (h - 1.3)
then,	vm  	=  vt - (a6 + a7 h m 3.5) / d  1.5)
where	vt  	=  total stem volume (or weight) under bark from ground level to tip
  d  	=  dbh
  h   	=  total height
  vm  	=  merchantable volume (or weight) under bark to a specified under bark diameter limit
  m	=  merchantability limit given as under bark diameter, e.g. 10 cm 	     
  a1- a7	=  regression coefficients

Application of 2-way Tables

If few trees are involved or if the variation of height between trees in a diameter class is large, estimate the volume of each tree individually. But if many trees are involved or if the variation of height within a diameter class is small, it is usual:
  1. to measure all trees for dbhob (and derive a stand table) and sub-sample for heights. The height data from the sub-sample are used to establish a height/diameter regression relationship, i.e. the stand height curve.
  2. read from the volume table the volume corresponding to the tree of average diameter (dbhob) and height for each class.
  3. multiply tree volume by class frequency.
  4. sum the class volumes.

3-Way and 4-Way Tables

The additional independent variables are normally bark thickness and an expression of tree shape or taper. To be effective, the variation in the variable(s) must be correlated with the variation in volume. The variable(s) must also be readily identified and measured on standing trees. Some expressions of taper commonly used in volume tables are: The simple expressions of taper (d1.5 - d4.5 or d4.5 /d1.5) may or may not relate to the effect of overall tree taper on tree volume, and the estimate of volume of the individual tree may or may not be better than that from a 2-way table. Generally, however, the estimate is better.

Stand volume tables

The objective of stand volume tables is to derive stand volume directly and rapidly from stand variables rather than through individual trees as in Methods 1 (sample tree methods) and 2 (tree volume tables). Volumes obtained in this way are useful if an overall volume estimate not broken down into species, size or quality classes is needed.

Stand volume tables have been used in Europe for over a century, viz.:

Stand volume = G  x some expression of stand height x stand form factor.
The difficulty with stand form factor is that it is an abstract value not capable of direct measurement. It represents a correction factor to reduce the product of standing basal area and some expression of stand height to stand volume, and is determined indirectly for a stand from established correlations with indices of stand structure and stand density.

Taking quite a different approach to European foresters, Spurr (1952) demonstrated for a wide range of stands (i.e. irrespective of species, species structure, age structure, site, or stocking) that regressions of stand volume on stand basal area within stand height classes were linear, as were the regressions of the regression constants and coefficients themselves on stand height. This suggested the suitability of the Australian equation for estimating stand volume:

Stand Volume = a + bG+ cH + dG H
	where G is stand BAOB
		H is stand mean height or predominant height
	and a, b, c, d are coefficients.
Spurr stressed the likelihood of curvilinearity of the relationship of merchantable volume on stand basal area and suggested that merchantable volume be derived by applying corrections to a total volume stand volume table. Stand volume tables based on the Australian equation have been compiled and applied successfully in Australia and in many other countries. Because Stand Vol.(V) = Stand basal area (G) x an expression of Stand Height (H) x Stand form factor (F), then :
H.F = V/G.
The expression H.F is called the 'Form Height'.

This relationship has been investigated for various species in a number of countries. Lewis (1954) in New Zealand found that the relationship between form height and stand top height for unthinned P. radiata was almost linear. He used the relationship to form the basis of a VARIABLE DENSITY YIELD TABLE from which present and future volume can be derived (by projecting height and basal area), e.g.

  1. Measure stand top height (hdom)
  2. Read off the corresponding form height
  3. Measure stand basal area G (enumeration or angle count)
  4. Stand volume = form height x G.
A similar table has been compiled for P. radiata in the A.C.T. (Carron, l967). Cromer (l96l) found in the A.C.T. that beyond predominant heights of 12 m, the form height (i.e. V/G) relationship for P. radiata was linear, i.e. V/G = a + bhdom. In addition, he found that 'a' was approximately zero and 'b' was approximately the same over a wide range of localities, ages, sites and densities. This implies that stand form factor was approximately constant in the populations he sampled:-
   V /G 	= a + bhdom
but as 'a' is approximately 0  and 'b' is approximately constant, then :   
  V /G 	= k hdom	
i.e. V  	= k G hdom (the familiar Form Factor Equation)
Thus, there is some justification for establishing stand form factor values for P. radiata.The equation V /G = k hdom holds where the cylindrical form factor of trees in the stand is relatively constant. This equation form has not been widely used for stand volume and weight estimation, but it is occasionally suitable in situations where the objective is prediction of total stand volume (or weight) and the range of tree sizes is relatively limited.

Application of Stand Volume Tables

Note that:

Limitations of Volume Tables

All volume tables have limitations, viz.:

Yield Tables

A yield table presents stocking, growth and yield data with age for a particular crop on a particular site.

Yield tables are compiled from relationships between stand variables as dependent variables, and species, age and an expression of the productive capacity of the site as independent variables. Once site index or site quality has been mapped for an area of forest, stand volume at any age, present or future, can be estimated from the yield table without additional field work.

Of course, if actual stand density differs from that listed in the table, a correction must be made to the listed yield table basal area and volume. This adjustment is allowed for in VARIABLE DENSITY YIELD TABLES which include an expression of stand density as a fourth independent variable.

Deriving merchantable volume from total volume estimates

The relationship between total volume (to tip) and other tree variables is relatively easy to establish but total volume is unrealistic from the viewpoint of utilisation. The main interest is merchantable volume, but it is sometimes difficult to relate merchantable volume to other tree variables. In these cases, estimates of merchantable volume are made by applying corrections to the estimates of total volume. For example, for P. radiata stems in even-aged stands, the ratio :
   Merch. vol. ub to 'x' cm dub
   -----------------------
   Total vol. ub
varies directly with d and is largely unaffected by h at a given d. Similarly, for P. radiata even-aged stands, the ratio :
   Stand MVUB to 'x' cm
   ------------------
   Stand TVUB
varies with stand mean d. Such relationships are simple both to derive and apply.

Stand volume by assortments: Taper tables

Estimates of stand volume are more useful to management if a breakdown into size assortments is also given, e.g. lengths of logs and small end diameters ub. Such estimates for a stand can be provided by a combination of: The TAPER TABLE is a tabular statement for a particular species under particular conditions (locality and silvicultural) showing dob or dub at specified heights from ground of trees of specified dbhob, total height, and perhaps taper or form. Its main purpose is to forecast the number of logs of various sizes (e.g. small-end diameter under bark) that will become available from a forestry operation on a stand. This sort of forecast is important to utilisation with regard to mill design, sales planning, etc.; and is important to silviculture in comparing the out-turn from various spacings, thinning regimes, and so on.

Two main methods of compiling taper tables are in general use (see Chapman and Meyer, 1949. 'Forest Mensuration', McGraw Hill):-

  1. Sample trees are sorted into total height classes within dbhob classes and composite stem profiles are made graphically for each class from measurements on the sample trees. Appropriate values of diameter at specific heights are read from these class stem profiles and harmonised over a range of classes. Usually, tree volume tables to various upper diameter limits are compiled from such taper tables and presented with them.
  2. A general equation is developed to describe the stem profile and the diameter at any particular point on the stem is derived by substituting appropriate values for the particular tree variables in the equation, one of these variables usually being an expression of tree shape or taper, e.g. form quotient. If the diameters along the stem are each expressed in terms of a standard such as dbh, this leads to an expression of stem form factor for each form class from which the volume of a tree of particular dimensions and form quotient can be derived. This is the basis of the 'form class' approach used by Tor Jonson (Europe), Wright (Canada), Behre (USA) and others (references in Carron, 1968).
Carron and Jacobs (1964 - Leaflet 90, F. & T.B., Dept. of National Development) compiled a taper table for P. radiata which was later used by Carron (1964 - Aust.For.28(4): 258-68) to compile a relationship whereby the percentage of stand volume within various log small-end diameter classes can be determined from stand mean dbhob. The taper table of Carron and Jacobs can be applied to a stand by merely compiling a stand table and measuring stand predominant height.

The current trend towards production of multiple products from a single tree has created an increased interest in the development of suitable taper equations. A tree taper equation expresses expected diameter along the stem as a function of dbh, total height and height above ground level.

Such equations are particularly useful when used in conjunction with merchantable volume equations. These latter estimate the volume to a specified upper-stem diameter, but utilisation standards often involve log length specifications in addition to a top diameter limit. Veneer bolts, for example, must meet rigid size specifications that reflect the characteristics of the particular lathes used in the manufacturing process. Suppose the specification for veneer bolts requires a length of 2.5 m with a minimum top diameter of 25 cm. How many veneer bolts could, on the average, be cut from standing trees of some specified dbh and total height? Given an appropriate taper equation, this question is easily answered by solving the equation for the diameters at the top of successive 2.5 m bole sections. The number of sections meeting the minimum diameter specification is easily established, and since the end diameters of each qualifying bolt are known, the veneer yield from the tree can be estimated with considerable precision.

No single taper equation can be expected to adequately describe tree form for all species and, in many cases, a single equation will not be adequate to cover all the stand conditions in which a single species may be grown. As a result, many different forms of taper equation have been developed and they have been used for various purposes.

Indirect volume estimation using angle-count sampling

Bitterlich (1984) describes several methods for estimating stand volume using angle-count (VRP) sampling. The most promising of these are critical height sampling (CHS) (Kitamura 1962) and a variant of CHS, space point sampling (Ueno 1979 , 1980 ). Both methods, including the estimation formulae, are described by Schreuder et al. (1993) , p. 128-132.

Because of their potential for reducing the cost of forest assessment, both methods need to be tested more extensively under field conditions in a variety of forest types using a taper function to estimate/define the critical height point. Until now, locating this point has been the main factor deterring more extensive testing and use of the methods.

References


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Document URLhttp://online.anu.edu.au/Forestry/mensuration/S_VOLUME.HTM
Editor Cris Brack ©
Last Modified DateFri, 9 Feb 1996