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Performance of Weibull function as a diameter distribution model for Pinus thunbergii stands in the eastern coast of South Korea

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Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the performance of percentile-based Weibull diameter distribution model for Pinus thunbergii stands thriving along the eastern coast of South Korea. The parameter recovery technique was used to estimate the three parameters of the Weibull model. The analysis demonstrated satisfactory results based on the following test statistics for the principal percentile models: fit index (FI) range from 0.501 (minimum diameter) to 0.932 (50th diameter percentiles) and root mean square error (RMSE) range from 0.112 (quadratic mean diameter) to 3.572 (minimum diameter). The developed model was further evaluated by determining the mean bias (Ē) in trees per ha (TPH) for each diameter class, and the results showed highest over-prediction in the 20 cm, and under-prediction in the 16 cm and 24 cm diameter classes. The goodness of fit tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test showed no significant differences (p>0.05) between the observed and predicted diameter distributions for almost all plots. Using site index and aboveground biomass (AGB) models developed for P. thunbergii in South Korea, a model to predict the AGB per ha for each diameter class and subsequently the total AGB of the stand was created. An application guide was also created, which will serve as a decision-support tool for forest managers in quantifying the future total AGB in P. thunbergii stands located in the eastern coast of South Korea and, subsequently, the quantification of potential carbon stocks aside from being a vital input in designing efficient management and protection strategies for these stands.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest Resources, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungnam, 340-802, South Korea

    Azyleah Cañizares Abino & Mi Na Jang

  2. Laguna Lake Development Authority, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines

    Azyleah Cañizares Abino, Sung Yong Kim & Young Jin Lee

  3. College of Forestry, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet, 2601, Philippines

    Roscinto Ian Canicosa Lumbres

  4. Division of Forest Disaster Management, Korea Forest Research Institute, Seoul, 130-712, South Korea

    Ho Joong Youn & Ki Hyung Park

Authors
  1. Azyleah Cañizares Abino
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  2. Sung Yong Kim
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  3. Roscinto Ian Canicosa Lumbres
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  4. Mi Na Jang
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  5. Ho Joong Youn
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  6. Ki Hyung Park
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  7. Young Jin Lee
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Correspondence to Young Jin Lee.

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Abino, A.C., Kim, S.Y., Lumbres, R.I.C. et al. Performance of Weibull function as a diameter distribution model for Pinus thunbergii stands in the eastern coast of South Korea. J. Mt. Sci. 13, 822–830 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-014-3243-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-014-3243-5

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