Määrätkene

Määrätkene is a Finnish term that translates to "quantity tree" or "amount tree." It is a concept used in the field of forestry and resource management to represent the distribution of timber volume within a forest stand. A määrätkene is essentially a graphical or tabular representation that shows how different tree diameters or sizes contribute to the total volume of wood in a given area.

The construction of a määrätkene typically involves measuring the diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees within a sample plot. These measurements are then grouped into diameter classes. For each diameter class, the number of trees and their average height or form factor are used to estimate the volume of wood. The resulting data is then plotted, with diameter classes on one axis and the corresponding volume or number of trees on the other, creating a tree-like or branched visual representation.

Määrätkene are valuable tools for foresters and land managers. They help in understanding the age structure and growth potential of a forest. By analyzing the shape and composition of the määrätkene, foresters can make informed decisions regarding silvicultural treatments such as thinning, harvesting, and regeneration. For example, a määrätkene showing a large proportion of small-diameter trees might indicate a young stand, while one with a significant volume of large-diameter trees suggests a mature or old-growth forest. This information aids in sustainable forest management practices, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of forest resources.