The Application Of Gompertz, Exponential, And Polynomial Functions In Describing The Growth Of Forest Trees

ABSTRACT

Several non-linear models have been proposed by various authors for the

analysis of growth data. I n this thesis, three models, viz, Gompertz, Exponential and

Polynomial models were used to analyze some forestry data, namely, a tree specie

known as Tectona Grandis, collected in the Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. The

three models were compared and using the criteria of low mean square error and high

coefficient of determination, it was found that the Gompertz model fits the data best,

especially considering the relationships of height on age and total volume on age.