Vernier dendrometer bands to measure tree diameter increments. Dear FNers I am looking to correspond with anyone with experience in using permanent dendrometer bands (or other methods) to measure tree diameters. On reading Peter Cattelino's article "Construction and Installation of homemade dendrometer bands" (North J. Appl. For. 3:73-75 1986), I decided that this was the route I must take. I had looked into pressure dial gauges and a few others without much promise. I have gone as far as purchasing the stainless steel Dymo brand tape to manufacture the items, and wondered, now, as I am about to manufacture the dendrometers whether there was anyone with knowledge of any other papers or practical advice on this topic. On the subject of the purpose of the measurements, several workers I have spoken to have expressed concern that I am using basal area alone as an indicator of growth, and not height and leaf area or other biomass indicator/s. Does anyone know of any papers that may be of help here? Other aspects I would like to discuss include : > how frequently the dendrometers need to be measured to be able relate growth to soil water availability; > how long will the dendrometers take to accurately indicate growth; > how long they will last; > how to choose the number of, and individual trees in a sample plot; > problems with bark die back (or other unexpected problem); > what strength springs to use; > sourcing stainlesss steel springs!!? I am at the same time testing electronic versions of these dendrometers - so-called "rubbery rulers" manufactured by Alberto Cimmino of the University of Victoria, Australia. Thanks in advance Yours sincerely -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. Bruce Metelerkamp SOIL WATER RESEARCH OFFICER Institute for Commercial Forestry Research, University of Natal, PO Box 100281 Scottsville, ZA3209 Rep. of South Africa Voice:27 331 62314 E-mail: bruce@icfr.unp.ac.za FAX:27 331 68905 URL http://www.icfrnet.unp.ac.za/homes/bruce.html
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