Growth and production models for volumetric estimates in commercial eucalypt stands

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate three categories of growth and production models for volumetric estimation in commercial eucalypt stands. A continuous forest inventory was performed in 34 permanent plots of 400 m2, in four management units, which totaled 293.43 ha. Model categories tested were: at the stand level (MP), by the simultaneous equations system of Clutter; diameter distribution model (MDD), by the adjustment of the Weibull-2P's probability density function and individual trees (MAI), by the Pienaar and Schiver model. The three model categories provided reliable estimates of volume with bark at 36, 48, 60 and 72 months. Although projections with MP and MDD generated similar volume estimates for ages beyond those in which the forest inventory was performed, MAI was the most accurate and consistent category in volume quantification per hectare.