Total Height – Diameter Relationships and Diameter Distribution of Teak Stands of Varying Ages (Case Study: Bosumkese Forest Reserve)

ABSTRACT

Teak (Tectona grandis) is one of the most widely planted exotic species in Ghana.

The growth of teak is affected by site factors. Measurements of tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and total height (HT) was used to develop models to predict stand growth dynamics and to make Silvicultural and managerial decisions.

The objectives were to establish a relationship between dbh and total height and to predict the commonest total HT for teak stands of varying ages.

The study area was Bosumkese Forest Reserve. The stands were stratified according to age and four (4) plots were randomly selected for sampling. A double phase sampling was then employed to capture data on dbh (as supplementary variable) and HT (as principal variable).

The models developed were:

Age Model Coefficient of Multiple

(years) Determination (R2)

2. y = -3.1788 x + 2.2125 73.03 %

17. y = -7.6698 x + 2.8605 90.04 %

19. y = -4.0312 x + 2.6506 46.04 %

21 y = -8.2796 x + 2.8614 90.7 %

There was a high correlation between 1/dbh and ln HT and the dbh distribution were normally distributed about their means. However the models vary from site to site. This agrees with both Ford et al. (1978) and Philip (1983) who also observed that the models are site specific.

The commonest total height of teak stands of ages 2, 17, 19, and 21 predicted were 5.4, 11.1, 11.5 and 11.8 m in that order.

The models are recommended as a tool for management of teak stands in Bosumkese Forest Reserve.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. K. A. Nkyi, my...