Stemwood volume predicting model of Turkey oak high stands in Basilicata (Italy)

Abstract

Auxometric studies on the Basilicata forests are few and limited to local contexts. The aim of this study was set up the existing relationships between the volume and trees dimensions of the high stand of Turkey oak (Quercus cerris) in Basilicata. The proposed estimate concerns the stemwood volume comprehensive of the branches with diameter better than 3 cm. The contribution focuses on the analysis of the most effective forecast models, describing in detail the chosen models for determination of the variation of the tree volume in relation to the diameter breast height and total height. The regression coefficients were estimated using weighted least square regression analysis because the heterogeneity of the variance of the dependent variables is constantly observed. The analysis of the residual among observed and expected values and their distributions show a good adaptation of the fitting models to experimental observations. The elaborated model can find application in the forest management as well as in the assessment of stocking of the forests ecosystems. The importance of this tool for forest management is confirmed by the considerable extension of the oak forests, with Quercus cerris, in Basilicata whose stands are for the most part due to transitional or irregular high stand forests.

Keywords

• Tree Volume
• Quercus Cerris
• Volume Equation
• Weighted Least Square Regression
• Basilicata