Distance-independent individual tree diameter-increment model for Thuya [Tetraclinis articulata (VAHL.) MAST.] stands in Tunisia

  • T. Sghaier National Institute of Researches in Rural Genius, Waters and Forests, Ariana.
  • M. Tome Centro de Estudos Florestais, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, Lisbon.
  • J. Tome Centro de Estudos Florestais, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, Lisbon.
  • M. Sanchez-Gonzalez Departamento Selvicultura y Gestión de los Sistemas Forestales, INIA-CIFOR, Madrid.
  • I. Cañellas Departamento Selvicultura y Gestión de los Sistemas Forestales, INIA-CIFOR, Madrid.
  • R. Calama Departamento Selvicultura y Gestión de los Sistemas Forestales, INIA-CIFOR, Madrid.

Abstract

Aim of study: The aim of the work was to develop an individual tree diameter-increment model for Thuya (Tetraclinis articulata) in Tunisia.

Area of study: The natural Tetraclinis articulata stands at Jbel Lattrech in north-eastern of Tunisia.

Material and methods:  Data came from 200 trees located in 50 sample plots. The diameter at age t and the diameter increment for the last five years obtained from cores taken at breast height were measured for each tree. Four difference equations derived from the base functions of Richards, Lundqvist, Hossfeld IV and Weibull were tested using the age-independent formulations of the growth functions. Both numerical and graphical analyses were used to evaluate the performance of the candidate models.

Main results: Based on the analysis, the age-independent difference equation derived from the base function Richards model was selected. Two of the three parameters (growth rate and shape parameter) of the retained model were related to site quality, represented by a Growth Index, stand density and the basal area in larger trees divided by diameter of the subject tree expressing the inter-tree competition.

Research highlights: The proposed model can be useful for predicting the diameter growth of Tetraclinis articulata in Tunisia when age is not available or for trees growing in uneven-aged stands.

Keywords: Age-independent growth model; difference equations; Tetraclinis articulata; Tunisia.

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Author Biography

T. Sghaier, National Institute of Researches in Rural Genius, Waters and Forests, Ariana.
LGVRF (Laboratoire de Gestion et de Valorisation des Ressources Forestières)

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Published
2013-12-01
How to Cite
Sghaier, T., Tome, M., Tome, J., Sanchez-Gonzalez, M., Cañellas, I., & Calama, R. (2013). Distance-independent individual tree diameter-increment model for Thuya [Tetraclinis articulata (VAHL.) MAST.] stands in Tunisia. Forest Systems, 22(3), 433-441. https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2013223-03511
Section
Research Articles