• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.1
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• pp.136-149
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• 2022

In this study, the performance of a nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) model used to estimate the stem taper of Pinus densiflora in Gangwon Province was compared with that of a nonlinear fixed-effects (NLFE) model using several performance measures. For the diameters of whole tree stems, the NLME model improved on the performance of the NLFE model by 26.4%, 42.9%, 43.1%, and 0.9% in terms of BIAS, MAB, RMSE, and FI, respectively. For the cross-section areas of whole tree stems, the NLME model improved on the performance of the NLFE model by 67.7%, 44.7%, 45.8%, and 1.0% in terms of BIAS, MAB, RMSE, and FI, respectively. Based on the analysis of 12 relative height classes of tree stems, stem taper estimation performance was also reasonably improved by the NLME model, which showed better MAB, RMSE, and FI at every relative height class compared with those of the NLFE model. In some classes, the NLFE model had better BIAS than the NLME model (stem diameter: 0.05, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.8; stem cross-section area: 0.05, 0.3, 0.5, 0.6, and 1.0). However, the NLME model enhanced the performance of stem diameter and cross-section area estimations at the lowest stem part (0.2 m from the ground). Improvements for stem diameter in terms of BIAS, MAB, RMSE, and FI were 84.2%, 69.8%, 68.7%, and 3.1%, respectively. For stem cross-section areas, the improvements in BIAS, MAB, RMSE, and FI were 98.5%, 70.1%, 68.7%, and 3.1%, respectively. The cross-section area at 0.2 m from the ground occupied 22.7% of total cross-section area. Improvements in estimation of cross-section area at the lowest stem part indicate that stem volume estimation performance could also be enhanced. Although NLME models are more difficult to fit than NLFE models, the use of NLME models as a standard method for the estimating the parameters of stem taper equations should be considered.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.106 no.4
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• pp.480-486
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• 2017

This study was conducted to develop the merchantable stem volume models to predict the volume up to upper diameter or upper height out of the total stem volume, targeting on Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, and Larix kaempferi in South Korea. The 131 stemmed sample trees for stem analysis were used as the data for developing the models. The six kinds of merchantable volume equations including merchantable volume ratio form, ratio form, and exponential ratio form were examined to develop the best models. The two models were finally selected as the best models to predict the merchantable volume: $V_d=V_t\{{\exp}[{\alpha}_1(d^{{\alpha}_2}/D^{{\alpha}_3})]\}$ for upper diameter and $V_h=V_t\{1+{\beta}_1(P^{{\beta}_2}/H^{{\beta}_3})\}$ for upper height. By rearranging the best model equations, implicit taper functions were derived, and the estimation was performed for the upper height by upper diameter and upper diameter by upper height. Because of not only the high accuracy but also the convenience, the models developed in this study were considered to be easily applicable in the field of forestry.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.43-49
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• 2012

This study was conducted to develop a stem volume table for the Robinia pseudoacacia using stem taper equations. Specifically, Kozak's model was used in the estimation of each model parameter. The fitness of the estimated model was statistically verified and results of the residual analysis were found significant. Therefore, this model is considered applicable in the preparation of stem volume table for R. pseudoacacia. Furthermore, volume with bark and without bark table were developed based on the bark thickness estimation equation. The bark thickness estimation equation was also statistically significant, The stem volume table developed for R. pseudoacacia, which was first in Korea, is vital in managing these forests.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.4
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• pp.592-599
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• 2019

This study aimed to develop an equation for estimating stem volume for Larix kaempferiin South Korea using independent variables, diameter at breast height (DBH), and height as being closely associated with stem volume. Analysis was conducted on the growth performance of 2,840 Larix kaempferi samples across South Korea after felling them and gleaning diameter data according to both stem height and stem analyses. In order to test the fitness of six different stem taper equations, empirical assessment was conducted for fitness index (FI), bias, mean, and absolute deviation (MAD), and coefficient variation (%CV). The two selectedmodels found to be optimal were the following: model one (V=a+bDBH²), established by employing DBH only; and model four (V=a+bDBH²H), established by utilizing DBH and height, respectively. The findings of non-linear regression indicated statistical significance (p < 0.05) in a and b, which were the coefficients for the intercepts and slopes of the models. The FI of the models ranged between 94% and 99%, and the bias was close to zero, while MAD ranged from 0.01 to 0.05, and %CV from 5.97 to 14.43, indicating a high level of fitness. Thus, using the suggested models, the basic information necessary for forest management was obtained, and an estimation of the stem volume was effected without delay soon after effecting DBH and height measurements.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.96 no.3
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• pp.362-368
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• 2007

This study was conducted to estimate merchantable volume and yield per diameter (DBH) class of Pinus koraiensis and Larix kaempferi. Stem volume of trees in each diameter class was calculated using the existing equations for taper and height curve. Saw logs and pulpwood volume were then estimated from the stem volume in each diameter class. The final step was to estimate merchantable volume and yield from saw logs, assuming saw logs were used for lumber (boards or dimension products) production only. The results showed that the stem volume of Larix kaempferi was 23~38% higher than that of Pinus koraiensis at the same diameter classes. Both species were able to produce saw logs from the diameter class of 18 cm. Saw logs and pulpwood yield for both species rapidly increased due to the size limitation on small end diameter. This yield reached a maximum of 90% and 88% at 26 cm and 38cm diameter class, respectively, for Pinus koraiensis and Larix kaempferi. Lumber yield estimated for board products ranged from 23% to 56%. In the case of dimension products, Lumber yield became significantly smaller as saw logs were used for larger dimension products. These results can be used for calculating merchantable volume and economic value of trees, as well as determining final lumber products.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.102 no.4
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• pp.484-490
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• 2013

This study was conducted to develop a simulation model for estimating the amount of such products as round wood, dimension lumber and the residual wood biomass produced by processing the individual trees of Larix kaempferi. In the model, the stem volume is assessed using the taper equations of the species to estimate the stem forms. Then, the model simulates the conversion processes of logs to round wood or lumber and assesses the maximum amount of the wood products by the lumber dimensions or round wood size. Also the model provides information on the amount of residuals for kerf and slabs produced on the conversion processes for sawn timber or round wood. According to the results of an application of the model to a L. kaempferi process, the trees greater than 12 cm of DBH can be converted to logs for lumber or round wood production. For the trees, of which DBH is available for log conversion, the maximum amount of final products by dimensions were analyzed. In this analysis, production of the bigger dimension lumber was assumed to be preferred to that of the smaller or round wood. This model can be used for assesment of forest economic value through estimation of merchantable volume for the trees, and assessment of mill residues which has the potential to provide significant amount of feedstock for bioenergy production as well.