Development and evaluation of height diameter at breast models for native Chinese Metasequoia

PLoS One. 2017 Aug 17;12(8):e0182170. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182170. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Accurate tree height and diameter at breast height (dbh) are important input variables for growth and yield models. A total of 5503 Chinese Metasequoia trees were used in this study. We studied 53 fitted models, of which 7 were linear models and 46 were non-linear models. These models were divided into two groups of single models and multivariate models according to the number of independent variables. The results show that the allometry equation of tree height which has diameter at breast height as independent variable can better reflect the change of tree height; in addition the prediction accuracy of the multivariate composite models is higher than that of the single variable models. Although tree age is not the most important variable in the study of the relationship between tree height and dbh, the consideration of tree age when choosing models and parameters in model selection can make the prediction of tree height more accurate. The amount of data is also an important parameter what can improve the reliability of models. Other variables such as tree height, main dbh and altitude, etc can also affect models. In this study, the method of developing the recommended models for predicting the tree height of native Metasequoias aged 50-485 years is statistically reliable and can be used for reference in predicting the growth and production of mature native Metasequoia.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • China
  • Cupressaceae* / growth & development
  • Geography
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Trees* / growth & development

Grants and funding

This work was supported by Study on Extracting Forest Management Information and Modeling by Using Digital Camera [41371001] http://max.book118.com/html/2016/0630/46949574.shtm) and the Study on Spatial Environmental Effect Model and Forestation Decision Support System for Forest Vegetation in Beijing[6161001] (http://www.medsci.cn/sci/nsfc_show.do?q=55ab2805364). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.