A volume tariff system for even-aged forests of Pinus radiata (D Don)

Abstract

If the 800,000 aces of man-made coniferous forest in Australia are to be managed efficiently, inventories are needed to provide information about present yield and about past growth from which confident forecasts of future growth and yield can be made. The basis of any such inventory is the method of estimating stand volume which should be simple, fast and cheap to apply, and should give reliable results. After a brief review of the main methods used to estimate stand volume, i t is suggested in this thesis that the best method is a volume tariff system, particularly if access to the system is through readily defined and measured stand variables . Such tariff system are already commonly used in Australia. In view of the proposed expansion of the planting programme, it is likely that more will be compiled. For this compilation to be satisfactory, the rationale of tariff systems should be understood and is therefore examined intensively in this thesis. The volume line (tariff) of a stand at any time is shown to depend on the relationship between height and basal area (stand height curve) and between form fa tor and basal area; and that changes in these relationship with time determine the mechanics of the tariff system. Consequently, the essential nature of the stand height curve and of the volume line have been investigated. Show more