An approximate height growth and site index model for Quercus sideroxyla Bonpl. in mixed-species stands of Durango, Mexico

• Published in: Revista Chapingo. Serie Ciencias forestales y del ambiente Vol. 26; no. 1; pp. 53 - 69
• Main Authors: Quiñonez-Barraza, Gerónimo, Zhao, Dehai, Santos-Posadas, Héctor M. de los, Corral-Rivas, José J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Coordinación de Revistas Institucionales 01.04.2020
• Subjects: Forestry; modelo de crecimiento; current annual increment; altura dominante; diferencia algebraica generalizada; height growth trajectories; growth model; dominant height; incremento corriente anual; trayectorias de crecimiento; generalized algebraic difference approach
• ISSN: 2007-4018
• DOI: 10.5154/r.rchscfa.2019.03.025

Abstract Introduction: Predictions of dominant or co-dominant height are an important element in planning forest management with timber production objectives. Objective: To develop dominant height growth and site index (SI) equations for Quercus sideroxyla Bonpl. Materials and methods: The height current annual increment model was fitted, and the age of the sections was estimated from a database of 29 stem-mapped plots. A taper analysis data of 37 trees was also used to reconstruct dominant height growth trajectories. Three equations based on algebraic difference approach (ADA; one anamorphic and two polymorphic) and an equation based on generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) were used to simultaneously model the dominant height and SI. Results and discussion: The ADA polymorphic equations were statistically better than the anamorphic equation, according to the adjusted coefficient of determination, root mean square error, mean bias, Akaike’s information criterion and log-likelihood; however, the GADA equation was better than the ADA equations. The growth curves were biologically realistic and showed SI classes at a base age of 60 years. Conclusions: The developed equations can be used for decision making in forest management when Q. sideroxyla shows dominance over Pinus species and the main objective is timber production.