Anamorphic Site Index Curves for Central Appalachian Red Spruce in West Virginia, USA

Traditional site index curves are frequently produced for shade-intolerant species but scarce shade-tolerant species. Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) can be found in three distinct geographic regions (northern, central, and southern) within the Appalachian Mountains. The one commonly used set of red is over ninety years old. A definite need exists a modern, regionally applicable curves. This research sampled 83 plots randomly located central Appalachians West Virginia. Three sets anamorphic were created after careful examination height models built using Chapman-Richards Meyer functions. One was constructed with traditional age pairs. second utilized suppression-corrected pair. third examined diameter at breast (DBH) Fit statistics indicated better performance age–height pair DBH–height versus models. Site conversion equations also investigated age-corrected index. Linear regression to determine significant climate variables utility including values maple (Acer rubrum L.) yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) model predict Significant varying combinations index, climate, R2adj range 0.139–0.455. These new should provide productivity estimation growth yield modeling while aiding restoration efforts this important