Tree Stem Diameter (Dbh) As Predictor Variable In Assessing Other Growth Parameters Of Sclerocarya Birrea (Anacardiaceae) In A Nigerian Guinea Savanna.
Justus Eronmosele OMIJEH
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management,Modibbo Adama University, Yola. Nigeria.
Keywords: DBH, Predictor variables, Bagale Forest Reserve, Coefficient of determination, Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Abstract
From 15 sample plots each measuring 100m by100m randomised and replicated within Bagale Forest Reserve, thirteen Sclerocarya birrea trees were assessed for height, crown ratio, crown diameter, crown area, basal area and volume. Tree stem DBH was used as predictor variable for these growth parameters. Results showed that the coefficient of determination(r2) and Pearson’s correlation (r) between DBH and height, crown diameter, basal area, crown ratio and volume were0.50, 0.55, 0.14, 0.97, 0.38, 0.94, 0.25, 0.31, 0.02, 0.94, 0.14 and 0.89 respectively.
The minimum and maximum stem diameter were 0.13 and 0.89 while the mean crown diameter, maximum and minimum heights were 8.5 and 18.7meters respectively.
Developing equation models help forest managers to practice sustainable forest management, arrive at cost-benefit ratios and to determine best management practices for sustainable forests