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1 December 2012 Silvicultural Implications Arising from a Simple Simulation Model for Endospermum medullosum in Vanuatu
J.C. Grant, K. Glencross, J.D. Nichols, G. Palmer, M. Sethy, J.K. Vanclay
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Whitewood (Endospermum medullosum) is a tree species that shows promise for plantation timber production in Vanuatu, but few growth data are available to inform yield forecasts. Three simple relationships summarizing stand dynamics, namely height-age, diameter-height-stocking, and mortality-basal area relationships, were calibrated with data from 15 plots to form the basis of a model for silvicultural and management decisions. Despite the simplicity of the model, it offers predictions consistent with independent data. The model suggests that the optimal silviculture involves planting 635 stems/ha, thinning at 20 and 26 years, and clearfelling at age 36 when trees have a diameter of 55 cm dbh. However, many options offer a net present value within 5% of this nominal optimum. The flexibility to vary the timing and intensity of harvests over a wide range while maintaining good financial returns, coupled with good growth and timber properties, suggests that whitewood warrants further domestication and promotion in Vanuatu.

J.C. Grant, K. Glencross, J.D. Nichols, G. Palmer, M. Sethy, and J.K. Vanclay "Silvicultural Implications Arising from a Simple Simulation Model for Endospermum medullosum in Vanuatu," International Forestry Review 14(4), 452-462, (1 December 2012). https://doi.org/10.1505/146554812804715874
Published: 1 December 2012
KEYWORDS
Endospermum medullosum
growth model
silviculture
simulation
Whitewood
yield forecast
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