A mixed-effects height-diameter model for longleaf pine plantations in northern Florida and Georgia

Abstract

A mixed-effects height-diameter model is presented for longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Mill.) plantations in northern Florida and Georgia. After obtaining height-diameter measurements from a plot/stand of interest, this mixed-effects model can be calibrated to produce localized individual tree height estimates. Based on model calibration of independent data from South Carolina, the use of three or four longleaf pine trees from a plot to calibrate the model provides a reasonable compromise between predictive ability and field sampling time. If calibrated at the stand-level, three trees could be used, but larger sample sizes of 10 or 15 would likely produce more accurate estimates. To calibrate these models for specific plots/stands, an Excel spreadsheet is available on request.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 20th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Citation

VanderSchaaf, Curtis L.; McConnell, T. Eric. 2020. A mixed-effects height-diameter model for longleaf pine plantations in northern Florida and Georgia. In: Bragg, Don C.; Koerth, Nancy E.; Holley, A. Gordon, eds. 2020. Proceedings of the 20th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e–Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–253. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 60-66.