Base-Age Invariant Polymorphic Site Index Curves for Black Spruce and Balsam Fir Within Central Newfoundland

• Published in: Northern Journal of Applied Forestry
• Main Author: Newton, Peter F.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 1992
• Subjects: Plant Science; General Materials Science; Forestry; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/njaf/9.1.18; http://academic.oup.com/njaf/article-pdf/9/1/18/23554485/njaf0018.pdf

Abstract Increasing management intensity within Newfoundland requires that regional site index equations be species-specific and base-age invariant. Accordingly, base-age invariant polymorphic site index curves for black spruce and balsam fir were developed for use on upland mineral sites within central insular Newfoundland. Specifically, employing mean dominant height and breast-height age data derived from 129, 0.081 ha permanent sample plots situated in pure black spruce (n = 71) and mixed black spruce/balsam fir (n = 58) stands, site index equations were calibrated by species and stand type. In addition, given the approximate numeric equivalence of the resultant parameter estimates, data for both species and stand types were combined and a pooled equation calibrated. The equations were evaluated on their bias and predictive ability over 10-, 20-, and 30-year projection periods. Results indicated that the predictions were positively biased averaging +1.29 m, +2.36 m, and +3.15 m for 10-, 20-, and 30-year projection periods, respectively. Corresponding 95% prediction error intervals for these periods were -0.56 to +3.14 m, -0.88 to +5.44 m, and -1.27 to +6.56 m. These biases and prediction errors are within acceptable limits for site-class designations; however, explicit use of the site-index equations with growth and yield models would depend on error tolerances specified by individual users. North. J. Appl. For. 9(1):18-22