Growth models based on radial increment observations for eight pine species in Angola

Abstract

Growth models for the Central Highlands of Angola were developed in this study for Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl., P. kesiya Royle ex Gordon, P. devoniana Lindl., P. chiapensis (Martinez) Andresen, P. elliottii Engelm., P. greggii Engelm. ex Parl., P. montezumae Lamb. and P. oocarpa Schiede ex Schltdl. for simulating the development of stand characteristics. The model set included dominant height, individual-tree diameter increment, individual-tree height and self-thinning models. The study was based on radial increment observations obtained from increment cores from 16 plots located in the Tchianga research station in the Angolan Highlands. The model set enables the simulation of stand development on an individual tree basis. The developed models are among the first models for these species in Africa. They showed good accuracy when the simulated stand development was compared to the observed development. Therefore, they can be used as a management planning tool in tropical pine plantations in Angola.

Keywords: diameter increment, growth, individual-tree model, Pinus chiapensis, Pinus devoniana, Pinus elliottii, Pinus greggii, Pinus kesiya, Pinus montezumae, Pinus oocarpa, Pinus pseudostrobus, simulation, yield

Southern Forests 2013, 75(1): 19–27