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Predicting and calibrating diameter distributions of Eucalyptus grandis (Hill) Maiden plantations in Zimbabwe

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Abstract

Diameter distribution models for even-aged Eucalyptus grandis plantations in Zimbabwe were developed using the two-parameter Weibull function. The analysis was based on data from Correlated Curve Trend (CCT) experiments replicated on four different sites. Parameters of the Weibull distribution were predicted using stand characteristics as regressors. Two sets of parameter models were estimated: a set with and one without stand basal area as a predictor. Stand variables such as dominant height, age, site index and number of stems were used in both sets. The models were further calibrated to result in a given number of stems and stand basal area simultaneously. The usability of constructed models was tested both in prediction of yield in a stand inventory situation and in simulation of growth in connection with different growth models. The results indicated that models not including stand basal area produce considerably less precise stand volume estimates compared to models including also stand basal area. Calibration improved the accuracy of diameter distribution models. In growth simulation diameter distribution models can be connected both to single tree growth models and to stand projection models. The usability of calibration in growth simulation depends on the accuracy of the prediction of stand characteristics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plantations Silviculture Research, Zimbabwe College of Forestry, Mutare, Zimbabwe

    Danaza Mabvurira

  2. Faculty of Forestry, University of Joensuu, FIN - 80101, Joensuu, Finland

    Matti Maltamo

  3. Department of Forest Resource Management, University of Helsinki, FIN – 00014, Helsinki, Finland

    Annika Kangas

Authors
  1. Danaza Mabvurira
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  2. Matti Maltamo
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  3. Annika Kangas
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Correspondence to Matti Maltamo.

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Mabvurira, D., Maltamo, M. & Kangas, A. Predicting and calibrating diameter distributions of Eucalyptus grandis (Hill) Maiden plantations in Zimbabwe. New Forests 23, 207–223 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020391807554

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