Stand-level diameter distribution yield model for black spruce plantations [An article from: Forest Ecology and Management]

This digital document is a journal article from Forest Ecology and Management, published by Elsevier in 2005. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
The objectives of this study were to develop and demonstrate a stand-level diameter distribution yield model and associated algorithm for black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P) plantations. Employing a parameter prediction approach within the context of a stand density management diagram (SDMD), model development consisted of four sequential steps: (1) obtaining maximum likelihood estimates for the location, scale and shape parameters of the Weibull probability density function (PDF) for 296 empirical diameter frequency distributions; (2) developing and evaluating parameter prediction equations in which the parameter estimates of the Weibull PDF were expressed as functions of stand-level variables employing stepwise regression and seemingly unrelated regression techniques; (3) explicitly incorporating the parameter prediction equations into the SDMD modelling framework; and (4) developing an associated PC-based algorithm and demonstrating its utility in density management decision-making. The results indicated that the parameter prediction equations described 74.4, 87.1 and 66.8% of the variation in location, scale and shape parameter estimates, respectively. Incorporating the parameter prediction equations into the structure of the SDMD enabled the prediction of the temporal dynamics of the diameter frequency distribution by density management regime, site quality and region. An algorithmic version of the model is provided as a decision-support aid in which forest managers are able to simultaneously contrast multiple density management regimes in terms productivity, product value and optimal site occupancy.