GROWTH PREDICTION MODEL FOR <em>EUCALYPTUS</em> HYBRID IN INDIA

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop allometric equations and time series analysis for prediction of height and diameter at breast height (DBH) growth with age and density for clonal Eucalyptus hybrid in India. We measured height and DBH of Eucalyptus hybrid of genotype 3020 planted at three spacings up to 7 years and analysed stand stability of the tree against wind. Stand stability index increased as inter-tree spacing and age increased and was constant after the age of 5 years. The regression equation developed was highly significant and the adjusted coefficient of determination for the model was very high. The equation accounted for 95% variation in height and diameter calculated by the developed models with same age and spacing. Logistic growth curve model for time series analysis explained variation up to 93.8% in height and 93.3% in diameter. Eucalyptus plantation raised by macropropagation technique obtained stand stability after the age of 5 years. The regression models in its exponential form can be used effectively to predict the height, diameter and age at varied spacings. The developed growth models will help forest managers in the preparation of largescale
plantation logging inventories.