Estimation of standing volume in Populus deltoides Marsh plantations by Huber and Smalian methods at Shafaroud forest, Guilan province

Abstract

Establishing poplar plantations is a practical way for national and regional self-sufficiency in wood production. Therefore, a precise estimation of the growing stock is essential for a consequent economical crop valuation. This study was conducted in a portion of Shafaroud Corporation poplar plantations in the west of Guilan province. Here, 370 individual Populus deltoides trees were selected along a range of 1 cm diameter classes from 7 to 43 cm, which resulted in a within-class sample size of 10 trees. The volume was calculated by Huber and Smalian methods, and the results were statistically compared. The results did not reveal any significant differences between the volumes calculated by the two methods (p< 0.05). The Smalian method entails diameter measurements in the two ends of logs, whereas one measured diameter in the middle of main log is required by the Huber method. Thus, our results support the application of one-factor volume table (tariff) of Huber due to the economical and logistic assets as well as the convenient usage.

Keywords

• Populus deltoides
• Huber
• Smalian
• volume assessment
• Shafaroud forest