Stem volume models using diameter at breast height (DBH) and height were developed for Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, and Larix kaempferi. The data were obtained from Gangwon, Gyeonggi, and North Gyeongsang provinces in South Korea, and the sample trees felled were used to provide the parameter estimates of volume equations. The combined-variable function, V ¼ a þ bD 2 H, was shown to be the best model through the validation of the equation. Also, the model using only DBH, V ¼ aD þ bD 2 was also evaluated to be applicable in the field. These models revealed higher accuracy when compared with previous studies. Both equations are considered to be easily used in the field.

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The size growth patterns of major coniferous trees species Pinus densiflora (Pd), Pinus koraiensis (Pk), and Larix kaempferi (Lk) in South Korea were found and compared using stem analysis. A dominant or co-dominant tree selected from each of 131 sites (39 sites for Pd, 47 sites for Pk, and 45 sites for Lk) was stemmed and analyzed for the study. Total increment (TI), periodic annual increments (PAI), mean annual increments (MAI), and growth percentage of diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and volume were numerically and statistically compared among the three tree species. As the trees age the total DBH growths of Pk and Lk were similar to each other but higher than that of Pd. A noticeable difference of total height growth was shown among the trees and the total height increment was Lk > Pk > Pd. Like the total height growth, the volume difference was noticeably different among the trees and the growth was Lk > Pk > Pd. Given no difference of DBH between Lk and Pk, the volume difference between the two species was due to height. Unlike DBH and height, MAI and PAI of volume did not meet together.. This inferred that the volume growth was still vigorous to reach the rotation age. Growth percentages of DBH, height, and volume tended to decrease with age and no difference was shown among the tree species. The growth percentage of volume was higher than that of DBH and height, while there was no difference between DBH and height.

Appropriate management of stand density is necessary to avoid wasted growing space and overcrowding-induced self-thinning and therefore to optimize profitability. We developed a Gingrich-style stocking chart for Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora), Korean white pine (P. koraiensis), and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) in Korea. Datasets for even-aged stands were categorized into two censored datasets via relative density based on species-specific stand density indices to assign adequate plots for tree allometry. Censored plot data for maximum density on full stocking were used to develop A-level stocking based on mean individual tree area. In censored plot data for minimum density on full stocking, individual trees represented open-grown trees, and a crown competition factor of 100 was proposed as B-level stocking. Based on parameters estimated from allometry, stocking diagrams comprising quadratic mean diameter, number of trees, and basal area were correctly expressed. A-level stocking at the same quadratic mean diameter revealed that Korean white pine had the most trees and largest basal area, while Japanese larch had the fewest trees and smallest basal area. In contrast, B-level stocking disclosed that Japanese larch had the most trees and basal area, whereas Korean white pine had the fewest trees and smallest basal area. The stocking diagrams suggest that silvicultural treatments for these species should be species-specific.

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