Discussion on Classification Criterion of Size Class for Uneven-Aged Forest Stands

Classification for uneven-aged forest stands by mean age and age group in forest inventory may reduce the difference of structure of various stands and underestimate the age of stands.Based on the analysis of uneven-aged forest stands by using the sample plot data of tropical natural forests in Hainan Province,it was presented that such stand-level characteristics of uneven-aged forest stands as mean diameter and mean height can be measured by the 20 % larger trees,and uneven-aged forest stands can be classified into 5 classes by diameter group(or stand size class),just like even-aged stands being classified into 5 classes by age group.The classification criterion of diameter group presented in this paper will provide reference for the inventory and statistic of uneven-aged forest stands and for the relevant studies in the future.