scholarly journals Empowering Forest Owners with Simple Volume Equations for Poplar Plantations in the Órbigo River Basin (NW Spain)

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Roberto Blanco ◽  
Juan A. Blanco
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Forest Owners ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Annual Volume ◽  
Poplar Plantations ◽  
Volume Equations

Hybrid poplar plantations are becoming increasingly important as a source of income for farmers in northwestern Spain, as rural depopulation and farmers aging prevent landowners from planting other labor-intensive crops. However, plantation owners, usually elderly and without formal forestry background, lack of simple tools to estimate the size and volume of their plantations by themselves. Therefore, farmers are usually forced to rely on the estimates made by the timber companies that are buying their trees. With the objective of providing a simple, but empowering, tool for these forest owners, simple equations based only on diameter were developed to estimate individual tree volume for the Órbigo River basin. To do so, height and diameter growth were measured for 10 years (2009–2019) in 404 trees growing in three poplar plantations in Leon province. An average growth per tree of 1.66 cm year−1 in diameter, 1.52 m year−1 in height, and 0.03 m3 year−1 in volume was estimated, which translated into annual volume increment of 13.02 m3 ha−1 year−1. However, annual volume increment was different among plots due to their fertility, with two plots reaching maximum volume growth around 11 years since planting and another at 13 years, encompassing the typical productivity range in plantations in this region. Such data allowed developing simple but representative linear, polynomial and power equations to estimate volume explaining 93%–98% of the observed variability. Such equations can be easily implemented in any cellphone with a calculator, allowing forest owners to accurately estimate their timber existences by using only a regular measuring tape to measure tree diameter. However, models for height were less successful, explaining only 75%–76% of observed variance. Our approach to generate simplified volume equations has shown to be viable for poplar, but it could be applied to any species for which several volume equations are available.

scholarly journals Simple Height and Volume Equations for on-the-Fly Estimation of Productivity in Hybrid Poplar (Populus × euroamericana) Plantations in the Duero Basin (Northwestern Spain)

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Roberto Blanco ◽  
Juan A. Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Forest Owners ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Duero Basin ◽  
Northwestern Spain ◽  
Annual Volume ◽  
Poplar Plantations

Hybrid poplar plantations are becoming increasingly important as a source of income for farmers in the Duero Basin (northwestern Spain), as rural depopulations and aging prevent farmers from planting other labor-intensive crops. However, forest owners, usually elderly and without formal forestry backgrounds, lack simple tools to estimate the size and volume of their plantations by themselves. Therefore, farmers are usually forced to rely on the estimates made by the timber companies that are buying their trees. With the objective of providing a simple but empowering tool for these forest owners, simple equations based only on the diameter to estimate individual tree height and volume were developed for the region. To do so, growth in height, diameter, and volume were measured for 10 years (2009–2019) in 404 trees planted in three poplar plantations in Leon province (northern Spain). An average growth per tree of 1.66 cm year−1 in diameter, 1.52 m year−1 in height, and 0.03 m3 year−1 in volume was estimated, which translated into annual volume growth of 13.02 m3 ha−1 year−1. However, annual volume growth was different among plots due to their fertility, with two plots reaching maximum growth around 13 years of tree age and another at 15 years, encompassing the typical productivity range in plantations in this region. Such data allowed developing simple lineal, polynomic, and power equations to estimate height and volume explaining 76% to 97% of the observed variability. Such equations can be easily implemented in any cellphone with a calculator, allowing forest owners to accurately estimate their timber existences by using only a regular measuring tape to measure tree diameter.

scholarly journals Growth of Black Spruce Trees Following Fertilization on Drained Peatland

1989 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bijan Payandeh
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Average Diameter ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Volume Equations ◽  
Tree Characteristics

Stem analyse of 67 peatland black spruce trees from previously drained experimental areas in northeastern Ontario that had been fertilized was used to examine effects on growth of individual trees. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to express pre- and post-fertilization diameter and volume growth as a function of site, stand and individual tree characteristics and amelioration treatments.Results indicated that, on average, diameter growth increased by 4% after fertilization. Standard volume equations, in comparison with sectional volume summation underestimated both inside- and outside-bark tree volumes by about 3%.

Accroissement en volume de l'épinette noire: précision de sa détermination

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1816-1822
Author(s):  
Richard Zarnovican
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Prediction Model ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Probability Level ◽  
Validation Data ◽  
Local Volume ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Annual Volume ◽  
Volume Equation

The relationship between volume growth rate and diameter growth rate (diameter at breast height) was studied from growth data established by stem analysis for dominant black spruce trees (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) of a black spruce – feather moss stand. The results indicate a very close relationship between the two variables, and a linear model was chosen to predict volume growth rate. Independent model validation, based upon analysis of residual errors, indicates a small positive bias (0.006%) with a relatively good precision (±9.9%) and a χ2 test anticipated accuracy of ±0.71% at the 0.05 probability level. The annual volume increment calculated with the prediction model and with the local volume equation for validation data was more precise (bias = −0.02 dm3/year, precision = ±11.8%) than the volume increment calculated with this model and the general volume equation (bias = −0.39 dm3/year, precision = ±26.4%). Finally, the χ2 test showed that the anticipated accuracy of the annual volume increment was ±0.54 dm3/year at the 0.05 probability level for the prediction model and the local volume equation, and ±0.90 dm3/year for the prediction model and the general volume equation for validation data.

scholarly journals Relationships between understory vegetation and hybrid poplar growth and size in an operational plantation

2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (04) ◽  
pp. 469-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica S. J. Grenke ◽  
S. Ellen Macdonald ◽  
Barb R. Thomas ◽  
Carly A. Moore ◽  
Edward W. Bork
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Understory Vegetation ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Competitive Effects ◽  
Volume Increment

The effect of varying composition and abundance of neighbouring herbaceous vegetation on tree growth in commercial hybrid poplar plantations remains unclear. We evaluated relationships between tree stem volume, volume increment, and the abundance of various growth forms (perennial grasses, legumes, and perennial forbs excluding legumes) adjacent to the tree base in four-year-old plantation trees under conditions protected from ungulate herbivory. Associations between tree metrics and the understory revealed that perennial grasses consistently reduced tree size and current annual volume growth, and the negative effects of grasses were made worse by increasing legume cover. Under little to no perennial grass cover however, the presence of legumes had a positive impact on tree size and growth, suggesting net facilitative versus competitive effects. The pesence of forbs other than legumes led to no apparent competitive effects after four years, and may instead signify the absence of more competitive understory vegetation, particularly grasses. While final modelled relationships showed that the understory accounted for a limited amount of variance in tree volume (R2=0.10) and volume increment (R2=0.09) in four-year-old trees, these results nevertheless have implications for the development of silvicultural prescriptions targeting understory vegetation in order to maximize commercial hybrid poplar plantation yields.

Growth table for Corsican pine in Flanders (Belgium)

1991 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Meuleman
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pests ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Forest Tree ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Annual Volume ◽  
Very High

After  its introduction at the start of this century, the Corsican pine has become  an important forest tree in Flanders (Belgium). The total area covered by  Corsican pine is about 11.000 ha. Due to climatological factors it is  virtually absent from the Walloon part of Belgium. Despite the crisis in 1984  - 1986, practical experiences with its vitality and disease resistance are  generally positive. Compared to Scots pine which is native to Belgium, its  productivity and insensitivity for insect pests is large.     To quantify the productivity of Corsican pine, a growth table was  constructed using a method developed by PALM and DAGNELIE. It was based on  data from 321 temporarily and 80 permanent plots distributed over Flanders.  Five yield classes were distinguished according to dominant height at 50  years. For each yield class, a series of tables as a function of treatment  was constructed. Treatments were characterized by the mean annual  circumference increment.     These tables allow to predict the growth of Corsican pines. Such  predictions for the whole range of species are necessary for the development  of a good forestry policy and for timber industries. The tables also provide  information for any given Corsican pine stand that is helpful in practice:  expected productivity, stand density, determination of the felling quantum.      The data show that the productivity of Corsican pine is very high. The very  early culmination of the current annual volume increment and the rather  constant level of the mean annual volume increment after culmination are  interesting new findings. It is also shown that it is possible to work with  long rotation periods. This offers good opportunities for the production of  high quality wood and is also important for the social and ecological role of  the forest.     Productivity is lowest on very dry and sandy soils. A high productivity on  moderately dry sand and loamy sand soils and loamy soils make the Corsican  pine one of the most valuable tree species for the Kempen in Flanders.  Although productivity is very high on well drained sandy loam and loam soils,  plantation of Corsican pine on these locations is not advised.

Effects of Crown Thinning on Baldcypress Height, Diameter, and Volume Growth

1988 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 252-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. Dicke ◽  
John R. Toliver
Keyword(s):  
Volume Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Taxodium Distichum ◽  
Volume Increment ◽  
Crown Thinning ◽  
Epicormic Branching

Abstract Crown thinning a 63-year-old stand of baldcypress (Taxodium distichum [L.] Rich.) averaging 220 ft²/ac of basal area to 180, 140, and 100 ft²/ac resulted in 5-year diameter growths of 0.44, 0.51, and 0.77 in., respectively. The unthinned control was significantly less at 0.31 in. Six-year height growth averaged 3.1 ft and was not influenced by treatment. Thinning to 140 and 100 ft²/ac stimulated epicormic branching on many trees, which may lower log quality. All crown thinning treatments appeared to increase sawtimber volume increment and sawtimber volume/ac over the control 5 years after thinning. South. J. Appl. For. 12(4):252-256.

Public perceptions of hybrid poplar plantations: trees as an alternative crop

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela D. Neumann ◽  
Naomi T. Krogman ◽  
Barb R. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Alternative Crop ◽  
Poplar Plantations

Bt-Cry3Aa transgene expression reduces insect damage and improves growth in field-grown hybrid poplar

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L. Klocko ◽  
Richard Meilan ◽  
Rosalind R. James ◽  
Venkatesh Viswanath ◽  
Cathleen Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Populus Deltoides ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Populus Trichocarpa ◽  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Leaf Beetle ◽  
Insect Damage ◽  
Beetle Damage

The stability and value of transgenic pest resistance for promoting tree growth are poorly understood. These data are essential for determining if such trees could be beneficial to commercial growers in the face of substantial regulatory and marketing costs. We investigated growth and insect resistance in hybrid poplar expressing the cry3Aa transgene in two field trials. An initial screening of 502 trees comprising 51 transgenic gene insertion events in four clonal backgrounds (Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides, clones 24-305, 50-197, and 198-434; and P. deltoides × Populus nigra, clone OP-367) resulted in transgenic trees with greatly reduced insect damage. A large-scale study of 402 trees from nine insertion events in clone OP-367, conducted over two growing seasons, demonstrated reduced tree damage and significantly increased volume growth (mean 14%). Quantification of Cry3Aa protein indicated high levels of expression, which continued after 14 years of annual or biannual coppice in a clone bank. With integrated management, the cry3Aa gene appears to be a highly effective tool for protecting against leaf beetle damage and improving yields from poplar plantations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document