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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Tree Core Analysis with X-ray Computed Tomography
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Individual-Tree Modeling System for Projecting Stem and Heartwood in Clonal Teak Plantations in Eastern Amazon
Mario Lima Dos Santos1, Eder Pereira Miguel2, Juscelina Arcanjo Dos Santos2
1Department of Forest Engineering, Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará (UNIFESSPA), São Félix do Xingu 68380-000, PA, Brazil.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
This study developed an individual tree modeling system for clonal teak plantations to predict heartwood production and optimize harvest timing. The system accurately projects tree growth, aiding sustainable forest management decisions.
Area of Science:
- Forestry Science
- Quantitative Silviculture
- Wood Science
Background:
- Individual tree modeling (ITM) is crucial for managing thinned stands, particularly teak plantations.
- Estimating heartwood, a high-value component, in living trees is economically significant.
- Accurate projections of tree growth and yield are essential for effective forest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ITM system for clonal teak stands in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon.
- To project technical intervention ages and quantify heartwood production throughout the rotation.
- To provide reliable data for silvicultural planning and decision-making in teak plantation management.
Main Methods:
- Developed an ITM system incorporating equations for tree height, site index, and stem/heartwood taper.
- Utilized algebraic difference approaches (ADA and GADA) for projecting future tree dimensions.
- Defined technical intervention ages based on maximum mean annual increment in volume with bark.
Main Results:
- The Lundqvist-Korf-ADA model demonstrated superior accuracy in projecting tree diameters and heights.
- Including the number of trees (representing thinning) significantly improved projection accuracy.
- Optimal technical rotations were estimated between 17.1 and 21.3 years, with heartwood comprising up to 53% of total volume.
Conclusions:
- The developed ITM system effectively estimates technical rotation ages and heartwood production in clonal teak stands.
- This system offers valuable insights for optimizing silvicultural practices and economic returns.
- The findings support informed decision-making for sustainable management of teak plantations.
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