Stamomtrek

Stomamtrek is a term used in forestry and dendrometry to refer to the circumference of a tree trunk measured at a standard height. The most common reference height is breast height, 1.3 meters above the ground, though some protocols use slightly different heights depending on region or purpose. Stamomtrek is usually expressed in centimeters or meters and can be converted to diameter by dividing the circumference by pi (diameter = circumference / π). The diameter at breast height (DBH) is a related and widely used metric, often preferred because it directly relates to tree volume and growth models.

Measurement method: a flexible measuring tape is wrapped around the trunk at the chosen height and held perpendicular to the trunk so it lies flat against the bark. The measurement is taken to the nearest centimeter. For buttressed or irregular trunks, measurements may be taken above the buttress or at a section where the trunk is reasonably cylindrical to avoid inflated values. When a tree has multiple stems, measurements may be taken for each stem or a representative stem may be selected, depending on the inventory protocol.

Significance: stamomtrek is a fundamental field measurement used in stand inventories, growth and yield modelling, and forest planning. It serves as an input to allometric equations that estimate biomass, timber volume, and site productivity. Measurement accuracy can be affected by bark thickness, trunk taper, deformities, and bark irregularities, so standardized height and technique are important for consistency.

See also: DBH, forest mensuration, allometry.