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Abstract
Introduction
Assessment of the dimensional and qualitative structure of the growing stock is important for forest enterprises, since rational using of wood resources and control of the output of valuable assortments makes it possible to increase its economic efficiency and profitability.
Development of regional standards of qualitative and dimensional structure of coppice oak stands is relevant and necessary due to the fact that these stands have certain features. The standards should be regularly adapted to modern requirements, particularly due to changes in regulations and real demand for wood of various assortments. Adjustments also should be made in forestry, in particular targeting the growing high forest and obtaining target assortments.
The aim of the study was to develop modern assortment tables for inventory of mature and overmature coppice oak forests.
Materials and Methods
The data were collected in pure and mixed oak forest stands on the sites of final felling as well as on temporary plots in the forest enterprises of Sumy, Poltava and Kharkiv regions, in Lebedinske, Konotopske, Gadyatske and Gutyanske State Enterprises. The study plots were located in fresh and moist rich and relatively rich forest conditions. Measurements of 222 model trees, selected on the study plots on the principle of proportional-degree representation, were used for determining solid-volume/stacked-volume ratio, volume and dimensional and qualitative structure of oak stems. Data from 25 sample plots in mature and overmature tree stands were used for the study of heights and diameters ratio. The relationship between the diameters and heights of trees was determined according to the methodology developed in the Department of forest inventory and management of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.
Results
In order to develop a mathematical model of a tree volume, the regularities of the change in the form factor were determined by means of the correlation analysis. The analytical equation for the dependence of the form factor on the diameter and height was obtained. The stem volume was estimated by the classical ratio in the forest inventory. On the basis of the developed model, the draft of volume tables depending on the stem diameter and height was constructed. The pattern for the distribution of the total stem volume into merchantable wood, including coarse, middle and small grades, and firewood was determined by means of correlation and regression analysis. On the basis of the data and mathematical models for volume and dimensional and qualitative structure of tree stems, assortment tables were developed.
Conclusions
Mathematical models of height, solid-volume/stacked-volume ratio and dimensional and qualitative structure of coppice oak forest stands were developed. Based on it, the scale of heights and yield and assortment tables were processed.
Differences between the developed and the current standards confirm the relevance of the research. The output of merchantable wood was on average 5% lower than under the current standards. Also, 3-8 % exceeding was stated in the proportion of coarse merchantable wood in the stems with diameters over 48 cm compared to current standards.
The developed standards after their testing can be recommended for use in forestry. It is advisable to check the developed standards at the enterprises where study plots were not installed. At the same time, it is necessary to compare the calculations according to the existing tables, the developed standards and the actual data of the logging.
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