STAND DENSITY AND THE RELATIONSHIP OF CROWN WIDTH TO DIAMETER AND HEIGHT IN EUCALYPTUS OBLIQUA

Abstract

The concept of stand density is redefined and the requirements of a density measure for even-aged Messmate stands are discussed. Two extremes of density are recognised in the field, represented by open growing trees on one hand and dominant and co-dominant trees growing in a state of intense competition on the other. For the open grown trees, crown width is linearly related to stem diameter, independent of height, but in stands of maximum density mean dominant height is an important additional variable in the relationship. The effect of this three variable relationship is discussed and it is used to develop an index of stand density for the species, independent of age and site quality.