Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

The shape of a tree stem can be described by taper models, which are a mathematical approach to changes in diameter together with a height that allows predictions of the volume of selected parts of the stem. The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in stem shape of Scots pine growing in different habitats and to develop local taper models specific for the habitats studied, as well as a common model. In addition, the error in determining the merchantable volume was evaluated using the developed local models and the general models used in forestry practice in the form of empirical formulae and volume tables of standing trees. The evaluation of the constructed taper models suggests that the shape of the pine stems under the tested conditions differs considerably depending on the location and that the tested general models for determining merchantable volume are subject to systematic error. A more accurate prediction of the merchantable volume of Scots pine may require a correction of the parameters of the general models or the construction of local models.