Abstract

LEITE, Helio et al. Site Quality Classification of Eucalyptus Stands Using Dominant Diameter. Silva Lus. [online]. 2011, vol.19, n.2, pp.181-195. ISSN 0870-6352.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the following hypotheses: H₀(1): the productive capacity classification of no-thinned even-aged eucalyptus stands can be performed using the diameter of the trees identified as dominant; H₀(2): site index based on the dominant diameter are more correlated to the basal area and to the volume production, compared to the site index based on the dominant trees height; and H₀(3): the dominant height variable can be efficiently replaced in hypsometric models by the dominant diameter variable. The data used in this study came from 523 permanent sample plots measured in continuous forest inventories carried out in eucalyptus stands, with initial spacing of 3,0 x 3,0m. The site index curves were constructed employing the guide curve method assuming the index-age of 70 months to estimate the dominant height (A) or dominant diameter (B) according to age. Then, the Clutter model was adjusted using the site index achieved by the two alternatives (A and B). Different thinning ages and weights combinations were also simulated from the two alternatives adjusted models. In both cases, the model was adjusted with all the available data (general) and per productive capacity classes (high, average and low productivity). Hypotheses 1 and 3 were accepted and hypothesis 2 was rejected.

Keywords : Site index; Eucalyptus sp.; guide curve method.

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