Nondestructive volume estimates of 11-year-old jack pine and black spruce using the power function volume model

Two methods for estimating the total outside-bark stem volume of all trees in young plantations of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) were compared. The first method was time-intensive, and required destructive sampling to obtain volume estimates using many paired diameter/height measurements. The second method was nondestructive and required only two field measurements: an outside-bark diameter at either a fixed height (such as breast height) or at a relative height, and the total stem height. The results indicated that total plantation volume estimates to within ±5% can be obtained using the power function model and two stem measurements: a diameter at a relative height of 30% from the base of the stem and total stem height. The power function model offers a good alternative for accurately assessing plantation volume. Key words: black spruce, jack pine, power function volume model, paracone, upper diameters, profile shape, stem volume