Essentially, there are three contrasting methods for volume estimation of single trees: the use of a form quotient, volume equations, and taper functions, which produce different results in estimative precision. The aim of this study was to compare these methods. To this end, 45 trees of Eucalyptus grandis from a first thinning were measured. The methods estimates were subjected to robustness tests. Form quotients were not robust estimators of total volume. The taper function tested needed special regression methods to achieve robustness. The use of volume equations of two independent variables was the most effective method for volume estimation.
volume estimation; form quotient; volume equations; taper functions