Age Contributes to Volume Estimation and Form Factor of Pinus Pseudostrobus Lindley in Commercial Forest Plantations from Western Mexico

ABSTRACT Sectional equations and mathematical volume models are a reliable way to estimate carbon sequestration and storage, which is a key foundation for forest management and conservation. The objective of this study was to assess stem volume and form factor through the classical sectional method to then, using five regression models commonly used for forest management, identify the most suitable mathematical model to estimate the stem volume in a commercial forest plantation (CFP) of Pinus pseudostrobus Lindley in the Comunidad Indígena de Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro, Michoacán, in Western Mexico. By using 10, 15 and 20 yr.-old sampling points and two sampling methods (destructive and nondestructive), we found a form factor 0.42, 0.48 and 0.51 and stem volume of 0.098 m3, 0.400 m3 and 0.804 m3 for the three ages assessed, which presented diameter classes (DC), from 10 to 45 cm. The mathematical models identified that age of plantation determines stem volume and form factor, and the models that best fit volume estimation were the Schumacher-Hall model and the Australian model with an R2 adj range between 0.89 and 0.99. Estimation of stem volume is of vital importance to assess the income generated by the timber industry, and relevant for forest conservation, management, and carbon sequestration studies.