Yield equations for irregular regrowth forests ofEucalyptus fastigataon the south-east tablelands of New South Wales

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Abstract
Old tree retention during logging results in irregular regrowth forests, for which growth and yield information are urgently required by forest managers in Australia. Using data obtained from 30 stands through random sampling in regrowth Eucalyptus fastigata forests on the south-east tablelands of New South Wales, equations were developed to determine the yield of the regrowth stands in relation to old tree density. The predicted regrowth stand volume for stands without any old trees increased from 253m3ha1 at age 20 to 623m3ha−1 at age 80 for the most productive site, from 253m3ha1 to 339m3ha−1 for the average site and from 84m3ha−1 to 206m3ha−1 for the least productive site. As old tree density increases from 0 to 100 trees ha−1 the percentage reduction in regrowth stand volume increases from 0 to 66%. As a result of past fire and logging disturbances, the old trees had a wide range of crown conditions, with many having a small and sparse crown, but not a large healthy primary crown. A clear understanding of what old trees represent in the context of this study is essential before applying the yield equations. Otherwise, regrowth stand volume prediction may be distorted.