Estimation and Comparison of Local Stem Volume for Pinus densiflora in Three Regions Using a Suitable Stem Taper Model

This study aimed to develop local stem volume tables for Jeju, Hongcheon, and Yeongju by reflecting region-specific growth patterns and properties using stem taper equations for Pinus densiflora, a widely planted species throughout the country. Because current standard volume tables were created based on broad nationwide data, they may underestimate or overestimate the volume of individual trees in specific regions. To address this issue, three models (Max and Burkhart, Kozak, and Parresol et al.) were applied to derive the most suitable taper equation for estimating regional stem volume. The Fitness Index, Bias, and the Standard Error of Bias were used as verification statistics to evaluate the goodness of fit of each model. Among the three models, the Kozak model exhibited the highest Fitness Index for estimating the growth pattern of Pinus densiflora and was therefore chosen as the most suitable taper equation to generate local stem volume tables for the species. The results from these newly developed regional stem volume tables were compared with the standard stem volume tables that were constructed from nationwide growth data. The findings indicate that the local stem volume tables for Hongcheon, Yeongju, and Jeju yielded higher values than the existing standard tables, and these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between Jeju and the other two regions, whereas no difference was observed between Hongcheon and Yeongju. In comparing the mean volumes among regions, Jeju exhibited the highest mean stem volume, followed by Yeongju and then Hongcheon.