Development and Application of Tree Radial Measurement Device

Tree diameter at breast height (DBH) can visually reflect the size of trees and is closely related to forest carbon sinks. As its continuous change is affected by the growing environment, it is an important indicator for forest surveys, and it is of great value for forest carbon economy and microecological research. In order to realize the accurate and continuous digital measurement of tree diameter at breast height, this paper develops a low-power tree diameter at breast height continuous measurement device based on the magneto-resistive effect. Compared to the traditional method of tree diameter measurement, this device has the advantages of real-time transmission of data, low-cost, anti-interference, and so on. In Zhejiang Jinhua Nanshan Nature Reserve, at a number of sample sites, tree diameter at breast height for 10 different species of trees was measured every 16 h before developing the corresponding upper software, background analysis software, and real-time acceptance of the measurement data to make timely analysis. After 12 months, experimental application and data analysis showed that the measurement accuracy of this device can be up to 0.001 mm. Compared to traditional tree diameter ruler measurement, measurement error is within 0.1%. This device, therefore, enables the continuous measurement, transmission, storage, and analysis of the tree diameter as a whole, and reveals the growth and carbon sink change rules of the tree diameter of a specific region at a certain age.