Estimating bark thickness in Pinus radiata

Abstract

Bark thickness in Pinus radiata D. Don is related to over-bark diameter, position up the stem, tree height, and breast-height over-bark diameter. Equations have been derived for predicting bark thickness as a function of these variables and as a function of over-bark diameter alone. By using the bark thickness equations, routine bark-gauge measurements together with their associated measurement errors can be eliminated, which should accelerate the derivation of new, more precise, stem volume functions. The bark thickness equations, used in conjunction with a tree or log taper function, can provide estimates of the volume of bark to be harvested or available for utilisation.