Characterisation of diameter distribution using the Weibull function: method of moments

Berlin

2006

S. 427-439

5 Abb., 3 Tab., 39 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200136607

The shape of the diameter distribution is one of the important elements characterising forest stand structure. In this work we present the application of the method of moments for the estimation of the parameters of a 2-parameter Weibull function. Due to its properties, this function is often used for the description of the diameter distribution in forestry. The work analyses the properties of the Weibull function and its application to a data set representing natural (virgin forest Babia hora) and managed forests (Litschau and Forest School Enterprise of Technical University Zvolen). The parameters of the Weibull function are simply and reliably estimated from the basic stand variables, namely the mean diameter and the coefficient of variation of the diameters. The method is general and does not require specific parameterisation, e.g. for the individual tree species. The work also presents a new algorithm for the estimation of parameters in cases, where tree diameters are measured from a certain minimum recording limit. Based on this study, we suggest using the Weibull function in forest stands only for uni-modal diameter distribution with a mean diameter above 7 cm.