A non-destructive sampling strategy for basic density, based on removing 12 mm bark-to-bark cores, was developed in E. globulus and E. nitens. Fifty trees of each species, aged 5 to 9 years, were sampled across a range of sites. Core samples were removed on both a north-south and an east-west axis from 6 fixed heights in the base of the tree (0.5 m, 0.7 m ..., 1.5 m). Whole-tree values were calculated from disc samples removed at eight percentage heights (0, 10, 20, ..., 70%) and correlations between the cores and whole-tree values were used to determine the optimal sampling height. Core samples were found to be reliable predictors of whole-tree density, explaining between 84% and 89% of the variation between trees. Core sampling of E. globulus and E. nitens to estimate basic density of whole-trees and stands is feasible; cores from trees at all E. globulus sites gave high correlations with whole-tree values. For E. nitens, site differences were apparent, and it is recommended that a small destructive sa mpling program should be undertaken prior to commencing a major sampling program. Recommended optimal sampling heights are 1.1 m for E. globulus and 0.7 m for E. nitens. Core orientation was not important and density was not related to tree size. Six whole-tree samples or eight core samples are required for estimating the mean density of a stand at a specific site to an accuracy of ±20 kg m-3 with a 95% confidence interval.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Plant Biology
Research Field:	Plant Physiology
Objective Division:	Plant Production and Plant Primary Products
Objective Group:	Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production
Objective Field:	Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Raymond, CA (Dr Carolyn Raymond)
UTAS Author:	Munari, A (Dr Munari)
ID Code:	20237
Year Published:	2001
Web of Science® Times Cited:	47
Deposited By:	CRC for Forestry
Deposited On:	2000-08-01
Last Modified:	2011-11-30
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