By: Ureigho U. N.; Egwunatum A. E.; Egwuelu J. C.;
Abstract:
Decision processes in forest management depend on reliable estimates of stand growth and yield models. Growth models of Tectona grandis at Ogwashi-Uku forest reserve of Delta State were applied to T. grandis stands. Growth data collected include height, diameter at breast height, crown depth and crown width. Five crown width models, two crown depth models and five stem diameter models were fitted into the growth data collected. The data collected were divided into two sets in ratio 9:1. The majority of the data (90%) were used for model development and the 2 remaining data (10%) were used for model validation. Best models were selected based on the highest R (coefficient of determination) and MSE (Mean Square Error) value. The best models for diameter at breast height, crown width 2 and crown depth have R and MSE values of 0.811 and 0.2618, 0.863 and 0.0223 and 0.950 and 0.0224 respectively. The model selected has been found suitable for fine-graining of coarse-grained habitat fragments, predicting greenbelts against soil percolation growth estimation as well as to enhance the sustainable management of T. grandis in Ogwashi-Uku forest reserve
Keywords: Diameter at breast height; crown depth; crown width; model; sustainability
Click here to read and download paper