Volume and Implicit Taper Functions For Cupressus Lusitanica and Pinus Patula Tree Plantations in Ethiopia

Abstract

Data from Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula were used to develop total and exponential form merchantable volume models, and implicit taper functions. The exponential form merchantable volume model to a specified top diameter limit showed marked improvement compared with the unbounded non exponential form merchantable volume model of Burkhart (1977). Implicit taper functions derived from the exponential form merchantable volume models were found superior to taper functions obtained from the non exponential merchantable volume models. In general, these models are essential management tools for the plantation of the species and in particular provide stock volume estimates by end use type.

Key words: C. lusitanica, Merchantable volume models, Taper functions, Total tree volume models, P. patula.