Sub-Compartment Variation in Tree Height, Stem Diameter and Stocking in a 'Pinus radiata' D. Don Plantation Examined Using Airborne LiDAR Data

Saremi, Hanieh; Kumar, Lalit; Stone, Christine; Melville, Gavin; Turner, Russell

doi:10.3390/rs6087592

Author(s)

Saremi, Hanieh

Kumar, Lalit

Stone, Christine

Melville, Gavin

Turner, Russell

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

Better information regarding the spatial variability of height, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and stocking could improve inventory estimates at the operational Planning Unit since these parameters are used extensively in allometric equations, including stem volume, biomass and carbon calculations. In this study, the influence of stand stocking on height and DBH of two even aged radiata pine ('Pinus radiata' D. Don) stands were investigated using airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data at a study site in New South Wales, Australia. Both stands were characterized by irregular stocking due to patchy establishment and self-thinning in the absence of any silvicultural thinning events. For the purpose of this study, a total of 34 plots from a 34 year old site and 43 plots from a nine year old site were established, from which a total of 447 trees were sampled. Within these plots, DBH and height measurements were measured and their relationships with stocking were evaluated. LiDAR was used for height estimation as well as stem counts in fixed plots (stocking). The results showed a significant relationship between stem DBH and stocking. At both locations, trees with larger diameters were found on lower stocking sites. Height values were also significantly correlated with stocking, with taller trees associated with high stocking. These results were further verified of additional tree samples, with independent field surveys for DBH and LiDAR-derived metrics for height analysis. This study confirmed the relationship between P. radiata tree heights and stem diameter with stocking and demonstrated the capacity of LiDAR to capture sub-compartment variation in these tree-level attributes.

Citation

Remote Sensing, 6(8), p. 7592-7609

ISSN

2072-4292

Link

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/15709

Language

en

Publisher

MDPI AG

Title

Sub-Compartment Variation in Tree Height, Stem Diameter and Stocking in a 'Pinus radiata' D. Don Plantation Examined Using Airborne LiDAR Data

Type of document

Journal Article

Entity Type

Publication

Author(s)	Saremi, Hanieh Kumar, Lalit Stone, Christine Melville, Gavin Turner, Russell
Publication Date	2014
Abstract	Better information regarding the spatial variability of height, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and stocking could improve inventory estimates at the operational Planning Unit since these parameters are used extensively in allometric equations, including stem volume, biomass and carbon calculations. In this study, the influence of stand stocking on height and DBH of two even aged radiata pine ('Pinus radiata' D. Don) stands were investigated using airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data at a study site in New South Wales, Australia. Both stands were characterized by irregular stocking due to patchy establishment and self-thinning in the absence of any silvicultural thinning events. For the purpose of this study, a total of 34 plots from a 34 year old site and 43 plots from a nine year old site were established, from which a total of 447 trees were sampled. Within these plots, DBH and height measurements were measured and their relationships with stocking were evaluated. LiDAR was used for height estimation as well as stem counts in fixed plots (stocking). The results showed a significant relationship between stem DBH and stocking. At both locations, trees with larger diameters were found on lower stocking sites. Height values were also significantly correlated with stocking, with taller trees associated with high stocking. These results were further verified of additional tree samples, with independent field surveys for DBH and LiDAR-derived metrics for height analysis. This study confirmed the relationship between P. radiata tree heights and stem diameter with stocking and demonstrated the capacity of LiDAR to capture sub-compartment variation in these tree-level attributes.
Citation	Remote Sensing, 6(8), p. 7592-7609
ISSN	2072-4292
Link	https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/15709
Language	en
Publisher	MDPI AG
Title	Sub-Compartment Variation in Tree Height, Stem Diameter and Stocking in a 'Pinus radiata' D. Don Plantation Examined Using Airborne LiDAR Data
Type of document	Journal Article
Entity Type	Publication

Sub-Compartment Variation in Tree Height, Stem Diameter and Stocking in a 'Pinus radiata' D. Don Plantation Examined Using Airborne LiDAR Data

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