Prediction of the Site Index for a Subtropical Broad-Leaved Forest on Okinawa Island Using Topographic Factor

Researchers have developed a method to predict the site index of subtropical broad-leaved forests, specifically Yambaru forest on Okinawa Island, using topographic factors. The study found that approximately 68% of the variance in forest productivity can be explained by three key topographic variables: effective relief, openness, and elevation, with effective relief being the most influential. This breakthrough enables fine-scale resolution predictions of forest productivity, which is crucial for balancing sustainable forestry practices with environmental conservation efforts in regions like Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island. The approach utilizes multiple regression analysis with easily calculable topographic factors, offering a practical tool for site index estimation that could potentially be refined further by incorporating additional environmental variables.

Miyamoto, A., Terazono, R., Sano, M., & Shimizu, A. (2018). Prediction of the Site Index for a Subtropical Broad-Leaved Forest on Okinawa Island Using Topographic Factor. Open Journal of Forestry, 08(03), 267–282. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojf.2018.83018