Volume table
Encyclopedia
A Volume table is a chart to aid in the estimation of standing timber
volume. These tables are based on volume equations and use correlations between certain aspects of a tree
to estimate the volume to a degree of certainty. The DBH (Diameter at Breast Height
) and the merchantable height are used to determine the total volume. Difficulties occur when estimating the form class of the tree in question. The Mesavage and Girard form class
es used to classify the trees to decide which volume table should be used. These volume tables are also based on different log rules such a Scribner, Doyle, and International ¼” scale. In order to be effective, the proper form class must be selected as well as accurate DBH and height measurements.
suggested the idea of a volume table. However, it was not carried out until 1846 when the Bavaria
n Government conducted an extensive study which was used to find the volume of entire stands rather than single trees. From this, variations grew based on variables including growth rate, species, and site index
.
Timber
Timber may refer to:* Timber, a term common in the United Kingdom and Australia for wood materials * Timber, Oregon, an unincorporated community in the U.S...
volume. These tables are based on volume equations and use correlations between certain aspects of a tree
Tree
A tree is a perennial woody plant. It is most often defined as a woody plant that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single main stem or trunk with clear apical dominance. A minimum height specification at maturity is cited by some authors, varying from 3 m to...
to estimate the volume to a degree of certainty. The DBH (Diameter at Breast Height
Diameter at breast height
Diameter at breast height, or DBH, is a standard method of expressing the diameter of the trunk or bole of a standing tree. DBH is one of the most common dendrometric measurements....
) and the merchantable height are used to determine the total volume. Difficulties occur when estimating the form class of the tree in question. The Mesavage and Girard form class
Girard form class
Girard Form Class is a form quotient calculated as the ratio of diameter inside bark at the top of the first 16 foot log to the diameter outside bark at breast height . Girard form class is the primary expression of tree form in the United States....
es used to classify the trees to decide which volume table should be used. These volume tables are also based on different log rules such a Scribner, Doyle, and International ¼” scale. In order to be effective, the proper form class must be selected as well as accurate DBH and height measurements.
History
In 1804, Heinrich CottaHeinrich Cotta
Johann Heinrich Cotta was a German silviculturist who was a native of Kleine Zillbach, near Wasungen, Thuringia. He was the father of geologist Bernhard von Cotta ....
suggested the idea of a volume table. However, it was not carried out until 1846 when the Bavaria
Bavaria
Bavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany...
n Government conducted an extensive study which was used to find the volume of entire stands rather than single trees. From this, variations grew based on variables including growth rate, species, and site index
Site index
Site index is a term used in forestry to describe the potential for forest trees to grow at a particular location or "site." Site is defined as “inherent characteristics of the physical environment”; furthermore, the word site is used in forestry to refer to a distinct area where trees are found....
.