Development of Local Stem Volume Table for Pinus rigida Miller by the Best Stem Taper Equation

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop local stem volume tables reflecting the local growthpattern and climate condition using stem taper equations for Pinus rigida. We developed thelocal stem volume table for P. rigida, which is the widely planted species following Pinusdenisflora and Larix kamepferi in South Korea. Three Functions of Max & Burkhart, Kozak andParresol et al. were applied and compared to derive the most suitable taper function. Theirsuitability was statistically analyzed by using the Fitness Index, Bias and Standard Error ofBias. The result showed that there was a significant difference in all three functions, and theFitness Index of the Kozak’s function was the highest among the three functions for estimatingthe tree growth pattern of P. rigida. Therefore, the Kozak’s function was chosen for generatingstem taper equation and local stem volume tables for P. rigida. The developed stem volumetables of each region were compared to the standard stem volume table that was driven by thedata of tree growth obtained throughout the nation. The result showed that the local stemvolume table was higher than standard volume tables in two regions of Muju and Boeun. Therewas a statistically significant difference (p<α=0.05), but there was no significant (p >α=0.05)between the local stem volume.