Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University (강원대학교 산림과학연구소)
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Tree Size Distribution Modelling: Moving from Complexity to Finite Mixture

  • Ogana, Friday Nwabueze (Department of Social and Environmental Forestry, University of Ibadan) ;
  • Chukwu, Onyekachi (Department of Social and Environmental Forestry, University of Ibadan) ;
  • Ajayi, Samuel (Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, Cross River University of Technology)
  • Received : 2019.04.11
  • Accepted : 2019.12.12
  • Published : 2020.03.31
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Abstract

Tree size distribution modelling is an integral part of forest management. Most distribution yield systems rely on some flexible probability models. In this study, a simple finite mixture of two components two-parameter Weibull distribution was compared with complex four-parameter distributions in terms of their fitness to predict tree size distribution of teak (Tectona grandis Linn f) plantations. Also, a system of equation was developed using Seemingly Unrelated Regression wherein the size distributions of the stand were predicted. Generalized beta, Johnson's SB, Logit-Logistic and generalized Weibull distributions were the four-parameter distributions considered. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and negative log-likelihood value were used to assess the distributions. The results show that the simple finite mixture outperformed the four-parameter distributions especially in stands that are bimodal and heavily skewed. Twelve models were developed in the system of equation-one for predicting mean diameter, seven for predicting percentiles and four for predicting the parameters of the finite mixture distribution. Predictions from the system of equation are reasonable and compare well with observed distributions of the stand. This simplified mixture would allow for wider application in distribution modelling and can also be integrated as component model in stand density management diagram.

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References

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