Volume and Taper Equations for P. taeda (L.) and E. grandis (Hill ex. Maiden)

Abstract

We compared several taper and volume equations with emphasis in testing the suitability of compatible taper equations, so that they can be used in forest inventories or decision support systems. We used data from 863 and 932 trees of Pinus taeda and Eucalyptus grandis respectively, collected from the Departments of Rivera, Tacuarembó, Paysandú, and Río Negro in Uruguay. In general, rankings of the candidate models were consistent for both species. For volume estimation the most accurate equations were the models presented by Clutter et al. (1983) and Schumacher and Hall (1933) for P. taeda and E. grandis respectively, while for describing stem profiles the most accurate model was a variable exponent equation presented by Muhairwe (1999) and modified by Methol (2001). The best compatible taper equation tested remained in an intermediate ranking position, but represented a satisfactory option for foresters seeking to use the advantages of this class of equations.