Estimation of Stem Taper Equations and Stem Volume Table for Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel in South Korea

The study aim was to derive a stem taper equation for Phyllostachys pubescens, a type of bamboo in South Korea, and to develop a stem volume table. To derive the stem taper equation, three stem taper models (Max & Burkhart, Kozak, and Lee) were used. Since bamboo stalks are hollow because of its woody characteristics, the outer and inner diameters of the tree were calculated, and connecting them enabled estimating the tree curves. The results of the three equations for estimating the outer and inner diameters led to selection of the Kozak model for determining the optimal stem taper because it had the highest fitness index and lowest error and bias. We used the Kozak model to estimate the diameter of Phyllostachys pubescens by stem height, which proved optimal, and drew the stem curve. After checking the residual degree in the stem taper equation, all residuals were distributed around “0”, which proved the suitability of the equation. To calculate the stem volume of Phyllostachys pubescens, a rotating cube was created by rotating the stem curve with the outer diameter at 360°, and the volume was calculated by applying Smalian’s method. The volume of Phyllostachys pubescens was calculated by deducting the inner diameter calculated volume from the outer diameter calculated volume. The volume of Phyllostachys pubescens was only 20∼30% of the volume of Larix kaempferi, which is a general species. However, considering the current trees/ha of Phyllostachys pubescens and the amount of bamboo shoots generated every year, the individual tree volume was predicted to be small, but the volume/ha was not very different or perhaps more. The significance of this study is the stem taper equation and stem volume table for Phyllostachys pubescens developed for the first time in South Korea. The results are expected to be used as basic data for bamboo trading that is in increasing public and industrial demand and carbon absorption estimation.