Download (PDF 859 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/26549.pdf
Abstract
The implementation of silvicultural strategies in a forest management has to guaranty forest sustainability, which is supported by an adequate regeneration. Therefore, quality and intensity of silvicultural practices is based on an accurate knowledge of the current spatial distribution of regeneration. At the same time, this regeneration is determined by the spatial distribution of many disturbing factors, such as fuel loadings, trees density, and grazing. However, regeneration mapping is not considered very often because its evaluation is both time and cost consuming. As a practical alternative, this study shows the results of a spatial evaluation of trees regeneration, where spatial distribution of regeneration is modeled. The data was obtained from 79 sample plots systematically distributed in a watershed of 1000 ha., at the saw of Tapalpa, Jalisco (México). Two interpolation alternatives were tested and compared: a) Inverse Distance Weighting [IDW]; and b) Ordinary Kriging (simple stochastic interpolation). Individuals between 0.30 and 2.5 m of height represented tree natural regeneration. The results showed that geostatistics technique (OK) was better in 50 percent of the cases, and deterministic technique (IDW) was better for the rest 50 percent. This suggest that not single interpolation technique has to be used in all situations. The results would support silvicultural strategies. It is suggested in further studies to use ancillary data, such as tree density, fuels, slope, and species distribution.
Parent Publication
Citation
Garnica, José Germán Flores; Gonzalez, David Arturo Moreno; Solorio, Juan de Dios Benavides. 2006. Geostatistical Evaluation of Natural Tree Regeneration of a Disturbed Forest. In: Aguirre-Bravo, C.; Pellicane, Patrick J.; Burns, Denver P.; and Draggan, Sidney, Eds. 2006. Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere Proceedings RMRS-P-42CD. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 627-632
