Volumetric estimates in a stand of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis in Southwest Bahia

Abstract

The objective of this work was to select volumetric models and evaluate the efficiency of three methods to estimate the wood volume of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis in an even-aged stand in Vitória da Conquista, State of Bahia, Brazil. After the trees were selected, they were cut down and  their volume were rigorously measured to calculate total and commercial individual volume, with and without bark. Eight volumetric models were adjusted. Higher performance models were selected based on the weighted value of the statistical parameters scores. The volumes obtained by measurement were compared to those obtained by form factor, form quotient and adjusted models. The Stoate model was the most efficient in estimating total and commercial volumes with bark. The Stoate model and the modified Naslund model had better performance in estimating the total and commercial volumes, respectively, without bark. The form factor and the volumetric models are recommended for accurately predicting wood volume for this species.