Allometric relations for Pinus patula Schiede Schltdl. et Cham. plantations in Mexico State

Abstract

Allometric relationships are the phenotypic adjustments of species to the environmental conditions where they develop. The objectives were 1) to fit allometric models between the variables stump diameter (dt), normal diameter (d), total height (h) and volume (V) for commercial forest plantations (CFP) of Pinus patula in Regions VI and VII from Mexico State, and 2) to evaluate the differences between the volumes resulting from the volume equations used by the forestry technicians of the State of Mexico. 1 825 dt, d and h data from 65 sampling sites were used to fit 13 allometric models using maximum likelihood. The statistical evaluation was based on the significance of the parameters (p<0.05), the root mean square error, the adjusted coefficient of determination, and the bias. The regression showed significant parameters and standard errors below 1.5 when using the dt as an independent variable, 54.7 % and 87 % of the h and V are explained, and 57.0 % and 91.9 % of the h and the V, respectively, when using the d. The models were reliable enough to be included in a growth and yield system or in the elaboration of CFP management plans. Furthermore, the expression proposed by PROBOSQUE (1990) constitutes the best alternative for the projection of timber yield for P. patula.