Form and Volume of the Stem of <i>Tectona grandis</i> L.f. in the Central-WESTERN Region of Brazil

Abstract

The international market has recognized the high value of Tectona grandis L.f. plantations, requiring the development of reliable and accurate tools and techniques to quantify forest stocks accurately. In this study, we developed suitable equations to estimate the stem diameters and volume of Tectona grandis trees in the central-western region of Brazil, evaluating the stem form change points (FCPs) and testing the stratification of data as a measure to control their variation. The Schöepfer model was tested in the study of the FCPs of the stem, and single equation, segmented and variable-exponent taper functions were used to describe the stem profile. After the selection of the model for the taper, data stratification in the DBH classes, form parameter “r” and artificial form factor were proposed. The total volumes of each tree were calculated by integrating the Clark III et al. model. The FCPs of the Tectona grandis stems occurred at 28%, 57% and 73% of the total height, corresponding, on average, to the absolute positions of 6.4 m, 13.3 m and 16.5 m. The Clark III et al. equation, without stratification, was the most appropriate equation to estimate the diameters along the stem and the volume of Tectona grandis trees in the central-western region of Brazil.

Keywords

• taper
• stratification
• teak