Use of stump diameter to estimate diameter at breast height and tree volume for major pine species in El Salto, Durango (Mexico)

Abstract

Foresters may require to estimate the diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) and the volume of trees that have been cut, and may only have available the stumps as an indicator of the size of the trees. In the present study, equations for predicting both d.b.h. and volume from stump diameter inside bark were developed for major pine species in the forest region of El Salto, Durango (Mexico). The d.b.h. was estimated with relatively high accuracy with a simple linear model. The tree volume was also estimated with high precision by use of an allometric equation. Weighted linear and non-linear least squares methods were used to take into account the problem of heteroscedasticity observed in the volume–stump diameter relationships. The results of the non-linear extra sum of squares method and of the F tests indicated that species-based equations for estimating both d.b.h. and volume from stump diameter are required.