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Abstract
Tectona grandis (teak) is one of the most important timber species worldwide and India is one of the major teak growing countries. Though some volume equations were developed in the past in India, merchantable volume equations (any top diameter or bole length) are not available. Moreover, the models developed were neither quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated nor validated with independent data sets. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop appropriate volume equations to predict total tree volume and merchantable volume for teak in Karnataka.
Linear and non-linear equations were used to model the relationship of the volume with respect to diameter at breast height (dbh) and total height. Merchantable volume equations for estimating merchantable volume to any minimum top diameter or bole length have also been constructed. The equations tested mostly fitted well to the data. Other models developed elsewhere tended to underestimate the volume, especially at dbh ≥ 23 cm. The geometric cylinder volume equation, in combination with a stem form factor of .40, is widely used for teak in Karnataka but they were found to be less precise compared to regression equations when applied to the present data set. Model validation indicated that models should be calibrated with local data for greater accuracy in the prediction.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the Director, IWST for providing all necessary facilities during the course of this study. The help rendered by Sh. N. Chandrashekar, RA-I in field data collection is highly appreciated. The authors are also thankful to the officials of Karnataka State Forest Department for granting permission to conduct the study in their plantations and also for extending all sorts of help during the field work.