Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Tapering, Tree Rings and Biomass Production of Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.): A Dendrochronological Study

Version 1 : Received: 2 September 2020 / Approved: 4 September 2020 / Online: 4 September 2020 (08:08:30 CEST)

How to cite: Pandey, H. P.; Pokhrel, N. P. Tapering, Tree Rings and Biomass Production of Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.): A Dendrochronological Study. Preprints 2020, 2020090090. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202009.0090.v1 Pandey, H. P.; Pokhrel, N. P. Tapering, Tree Rings and Biomass Production of Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.): A Dendrochronological Study. Preprints 2020, 2020090090. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202009.0090.v1

Abstract

Distinguishable annual growth rings produce in Pinus roxburghii are an asset to find out the age of individual tree. This paper aimed to determine the age of P. roxburghii through coring samples and test the relationship with forest production. The biomass estimated, girths measured at two different sections and heights measured which allowed to determine the rate of tapering of the stand. The regression analysis was performed to test the relationship between various variables. The mean age of the P. roxburghii stand was found to be 23.97 (~24 years). The result showed the significant (p<0.05) positive correlation coefficient has been seen between age with girth at breast height, biomass, volume and carbon stock. However, no significant (p>0.05) correlation (r = 0.08) was found between age and height of the stand. In contrast, a correlation between diameter at breast height (DBH) was significant (p<0.05) and positive with volume, biomass, but no significant (p>0.05) correlation (r = 0.14) found between DBH and height of the stand. However, height has a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation with biomass. The mean biomass was 375 kg and mean annual increment (MAI) was 15 kg per tree. Rate of tapering of the studied stand predicted to be 3 cm diameter decreased with trunk height running at 100 cm from base to upward of P. roxburghii stand and vice versa. Result suggests that height-age relation is very weak whereas age, DBH, biomass and carbon has a significant correlation signifies that time-based forests' production and potential production estimation can be obtained in a relatively accurate way by utilizing the age of stand. The time-based forest production analysis is pioneer work in Nepal. The study affirms the tree ring count in P. roxburghii would be a credible and accurate method to determine the age of standing trees.

Keywords

age; coring sample; forest productivity; Nepal; P. roxburghii; stand structure

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Forestry

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