Application of stand density index according to Reineke for estimate and control of density of even-aged stands in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

A major drawback in assessment and stocking control of even-aged forests in the practice of forest management in Bosnia and Hercegovina is the fact that yield tables made for areas in other countries that are characterized by different habitat conditions and management are used. Stand density index (SDI) is, as relative measure of stocking, an indicator of production at different stand structures and at different ages. In the practice of forest management, stand density index according to Reineke is used for assessment and stocking control of stands. The relative stocking value, or the relative stand stocking according to Reineke (RDI) is the ratio of the determined stand density index and its maximum value for a given species. The possibilities of applying stand density index were tested on the example of spruce and sessile oak stands with natural regeneration and planted forests of black pine and Douglas fir. The sample covers both natural and planted forests, as well as deciduous and coniferous stands. When it comes to the planted forests, one domestic and one introduced tree species are included. The ratio of the determined relative values of density index according to Reineke for given tree species (sessile oak, spruce, black pine and Douglas fir) in natural and planted forest stands and the determined stand stocking (ratio of determined and tabular values of basal area) shows a significant match of observed stand stocking indicators. Starting from the above and the model for estimating stand volume based on basal area and relative stand stocking (regression as a whole, as well as all regression coefficients are statistically significant at the level of p < 0.001) it can be stated that the observed stocking indicator can be successfully used in forest management practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the assessment and stocking control of stands. In further research, it is necessary to check the general applicability of the exponent “1.605” and the need to determine the regional values of the parameters. It is also necessary to check whether the maximum values of the stand density index of different tree species listed in the literature are applicable in our conditions.