Simulation of thinning effects on stand structure using linear co-ordinates

Summary

The effects of different types of thinning strategies on distribution of stem diameters in a forest. Initial stem diameter distribution is derived by the reverse Weibull distribution, and then generating linear co-òrdinates that predict the proportion of trees to be thinned from each diameter class. The techniques have been incorporated in a BASIC program, and this model has proved useful in simulating thinning from below, thinning from above and random thinning to any residual stocking and its effect on stand structure and volume outturn. The model can be incorporated with conventional inventory methods and can be used to generate inputs into growth models for predicting the effect of thinning on future growth of the stand.