Use of the Weibull function to predict future diameter distributions from current plot data

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  • Authors: Cao, Quang V.
  • Publication Year: 2012
  • Publication Series: Paper (invited, offered, keynote)
  • Source: In: Butnor, John R., ed. 2012. Proceedings of the 16th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-156. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 53-58.

Abstract

The Weibull function has been widely used to characterize diameter distributions in forest stands. The future diameter distribution of a forest stand can be predicted by use of a Weibull probability density function from current inventory data for that stand. The parameter recovery approach has been used to “recover” the Weibull parameters from diameter moments or percentiles. The Moment method involves arithmetic or quadratic mean diameter, and diameter variance, whereas the Percentile method includes diameter percentiles. The Hybrid method is a combination of both methods, requiring both diameter moments and percentiles. Results based on data from loblolly pine plantations showed that the three methods involving the predicted quadratic mean diameter performed better than the rest, and that the two methods involving the predicted 31st and 63rd percentiles performed the poorest.

  • Citation: Cao, Quang V. 2012. Use of the Weibull function to predict future diameter distributions from current plot data. In: Butnor, John R., ed. 2012. Proceedings of the 16th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-156. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 53-58.
  • Posted Date: August 28, 2012
  • Modified Date: August 28, 2012

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