Influence of diameter measuring height on the adjustment of volume and biomass equations of cerrado in Minas Gerais

Abstract

Different tree diameter measuring heights are displayed in the literature, which in some cases can lead to different results in the final estimates, if the model used is not compatible with the diameter measurement height. The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate equations of volume and biomass, adjusted by Goal Programming and regression by Ordinary Least Squares Method for the Cerrado Sensu Stricto and Campo Cerrado in Minas Gerais state, using information on diameters measured at 0. 10, 0.30 and 1.30 meters from the ground level. Thus, we rigorously scaled 868 trees in areas of Cerrado Sensu Stricto and Campo Cerrado of Minas Gerais. Two different models were subsequently adjusted, one being dual input with the diameter measured at different heights and total height and the second with only the diameter. The results showed that the height where the diameter was taken may influence the accuracy of the models, the diameter measured at 1.30 m presenting the best fits with more accurate estimates. It was possible to generate an equation that can support the monitoring of deforested areas, using the stump diameter (0.10 cm from the soil).