Height Growth Models for Pinus thunbergii in Jeju Island

Abstract

Abstract Height growth models for Pinus thunbergii in Jeju Island were developed in this study using four widely used nonlinear growth models; Exponential, Modified Logistic, Chapman-Richards, and Weibull. All functions were found to be significant at the 1% level. Chapman-Richards model for height-DBH allometry and Weibull model for height-age allometry was chosen as the best model on the all validation. All the model curves showed the similar pattern. Additionally, there was no abnormal pattern when the previous studies were compared. Therefore, these models are highly expected to be used to estimate the tree height using DBH or age for Pinus thunbergii especially in Jeju Island.Key Words: Nonlinear growth models, Height, DBH, Age, Pinus thunbergii Received: November 10, 2015. Revised: November 12, 2015. Accept ed: November 16, 2015.Corresponding author: Jungkee ChoiDepartment of Forest Management, College of Forest and Environm ental Sciences, Kangwon National University, 188-77, Gongji-ro, Chuncheon 24345, Republic of KoreaTel: 82-33-250-8337, Fax: 82-33-259-5617, E-mail: jungkee@kangw on.ac.kr