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The objective of this work was to develop and validate a prognosis system for volume yield and basal area of intensively managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands, using stand and diameter class models compatible in basal area estimates. The data used in the study were obtained from plantations located in northern Uruguay. For model validation without data loss, a three-phase validation scheme was applied: first, the equations were fitted without the validation database; then, model validation was carried out; and, finally, the database was regrouped to recalibrate the parameter values. After the validation and final parameterization of the models, a simulation of the first commercial thinning was carried out. The developed prognosis system was precise and accurate in estimating basal area production per hectare or per diameter classes. There was compatibility in basal area estimates between diameter class and whole stand models, with a mean difference of -0.01 m2ha-1. The validation scheme applied is logic and consistent, since information on the accuracy and precision of the models is obtained without the loss of any information in the estimation of the models' parameters. Resumo:O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e validar um sistema de prognose para produção em volume e área basal de povoamento de Pinus taeda manejado intensamente, com uso de modelos de povoamento e de classes diamétricas compatíveis em estimativas de área basal. Os dados utilizados no estudo foram obtidos de plantios localizados no norte do Uruguai. Para a validação dos modelos sem perda de informação, foi aplicado um esquema de validação em três fases: primeiro, as equações foram ajustadas sem a base de dados de validação; depois, a validação do modelo foi realizada; e, por fim, a base de dados foi reagrupada para recalibrar os valores dos parâmetros. Após a validação e a parametrização final dos modelos, foi realizada uma simulação do primeiro desbaste comercial. O sistema de prognose desenvolvido foi preciso e acurado na estimativa de produção em área basal por hectare ou por classes diamétricas. Houve compatibilidade nas estimativas de área basal entre os modelos de classes diamétricas e do talhão como um todo, com diferença média de -0,01 m2 ha-1. O esquema de validação aplicado é lógico e consistente, uma vez que informações sobre a acurácia e a precisão dos modelos são obtidas sem perda de informação nas estimativas dos parâmetros dos modelos.

The objective of this work was to develop and validate a prognosis system for volume yield and basal area of intensively managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands, using stand and diameter class models compatible in basal area estimates. The data used in the study were obtained from plantations located in northern Uruguay. For model validation without data loss, a three-phase validation scheme was applied: first, the equations were fitted without the validation database; then, model validation was carried out; and, finally, the database was regrouped to recalibrate the parameter values. After the validation and final parameterization of the models, a simulation of the first commercial thinning was carried out. The developed prognosis system was precise and accurate in estimating basal area production per hectare or per diameter classes. There was compatibility in basal area estimates between diameter class and whole stand models, with a mean difference of -0.01 m2ha-1. The validation scheme applied is logic and consistent, since information on the accuracy and precision of the models is obtained without the loss of any information in the estimation of the models' parameters.

This paper suggests solutions for a longstanding problem in managing lodgepole pine forests -- that of managing individual stands to reach their planned rotation age, despite serious hazard from bark beetles and wildfire. The management regimes presented yield merchantable thinning products. The 80-year sawtimber rotation can be achieved using these management recommendations. Thinning at 30 years of age is central to achieving the recommended alternative management regimes. The authors suggest that agencies give roundwood operators a portion of the thinning stemwood as payment. Management regimes that provide attainable rotations are presented in summary tables, by three site index classes and a number of initial stand density classes.