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Evaluation of probability distribution functions applied to tree diameter in a mixed uneven Kiker (Robinia pseudoacacia) stand of Kashmir Himalaya, India


Affiliations
1 Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Benhama 191 202, India
2 Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, SKUAST-K, Ganderbal 191 201, India
 

Probability distribution is of significance to predict tree distribution and estimate productivity in different ages as well as thinning out in forest stands to ensure optimized and stable stands. Statistical probability distributions, viz. lognormal, Weibull, exponential and gamma were used to fit tree-diameter data generated from the Manasbal forest stand of Kashmir Himalaya, India containing a heterogeneous population of trees with the objective to determine the best probability distribution of tree diameter. To estimate the parameters of the fitted distributions, the method of maximum likelihood was used. The various distributions were evaluated using different goodness-of-fit tests, viz. Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Cramer–von Mises and Anderson–Darling statistics, and the best distribution pertaining to the forest stand was ascertained. Lognormal distribution fitted the data well and could be used in modelling, planning and scheduling the forest stand in the study region.

Keywords

Diameter class, goodness-of-fit statistics, forest stands, probability distribution function, Robinia pseudoacacia.
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  • Evaluation of probability distribution functions applied to tree diameter in a mixed uneven Kiker (Robinia pseudoacacia) stand of Kashmir Himalaya, India

Abstract Views: 176  |  PDF Views: 83

Authors

Tariq H. Masoodi
Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Benhama 191 202, India
Immad A. Shah
Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, SKUAST-K, Ganderbal 191 201, India
Meraj U. Din Dar
Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, SKUAST-K, Ganderbal 191 201, India
Parvez A. Sofi
Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Benhama 191 202, India
Javeed A. Mugloo
Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Benhama 191 202, India

Abstract


Probability distribution is of significance to predict tree distribution and estimate productivity in different ages as well as thinning out in forest stands to ensure optimized and stable stands. Statistical probability distributions, viz. lognormal, Weibull, exponential and gamma were used to fit tree-diameter data generated from the Manasbal forest stand of Kashmir Himalaya, India containing a heterogeneous population of trees with the objective to determine the best probability distribution of tree diameter. To estimate the parameters of the fitted distributions, the method of maximum likelihood was used. The various distributions were evaluated using different goodness-of-fit tests, viz. Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Cramer–von Mises and Anderson–Darling statistics, and the best distribution pertaining to the forest stand was ascertained. Lognormal distribution fitted the data well and could be used in modelling, planning and scheduling the forest stand in the study region.

Keywords


Diameter class, goodness-of-fit statistics, forest stands, probability distribution function, Robinia pseudoacacia.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv121%2Fi4%2F573-577