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Dehai Zhao, Bronson P Bullock, Mingliang Wang, E David Dickens, Whole-Tree Green Density Equations for Loblolly and Slash Pine Trees, Forest Science, Volume 70, Issue 4, August 2024, Pages 271–282, https://doi.org/10.1093/forsci/fxae020
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Abstract
Using extensive legacy and new datasets, two equations of whole-tree green density, defined as the ratio of the green weight of stem wood with bark (GWob) divided either by the stem outside-bark volume (Vob) or by the stem inside-bark volume (Vib), were developed along with individual tree Vob, Vib, and GWob equations for loblolly and slash pines. The green density equations indicated that the GWob/Vob ratio increases while the GWob/Vib ratio decreases with an increase in tree size for both species. The transition from low-intensity management to intensive management has a notable impact on tree green weight characteristics. Generally, trees from older established plantations exhibited a higher GWob/Vob ratio compared with trees from more recently established plantations, spanning both loblolly and slash pines.
Study Implications: Derived whole-tree green density equations, alongside updated stem green weight and volume equations, are valuable tools for estimating the volume and green weight of entire stem boles, facilitating volume-to-green-weight conversion for specific sections for loblolly and slash pines, the primary commercial timber species in the southern United States.