Geostatistical modeling of timber volume spatial variability for Tectona grandis L. F. precision forestry

Abstract

Considering the hypothesis that the wood volumes present spatial dependence, whose knowledge contributes for the precision forestry, the aim of this work was to estimate the volume spatial variability for timber assortments and identify their spatial patterns on Tectona grandis stands. A dataset of 1,038 trees was used to fit taper models and estimate the total stem, sawlog, and firewood volumes in 273 plots allocated on T. grandis stands at eight years old, which represents the second thinning that enables commercial volumes. Semivariograms models was applied to fit the spatial dependence, and punctual kriging was used to compose volume maps. Geostatistical modeling allowed us to estimate the T. grandis spatial variability and develop timber volume maps. Thus, silvicultural treatments, such as thinning and pruning, as well as for planning spatial interventions, are possible to be recommended for aimed wood products.