Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is a valued, Mississippi tree species with very little published mensurational data. Tree profile equations are effective tree volume predictors but are typically developed from measurements on destructively sampled trees, an impractical method on valuable species. This study developed black walnut and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) profile equations from non-destructive measurements using a Barr & Stroud FP15 optical dendrometer. Accuracy of the dendrometer was validated by taking both optical dendrometer and felled, direct measurements on green ash trees. Two profile models were evaluated for measured tree data. Separate equations were created from optical dendrometer tree profile data for black walnut and green ash and felled tree profile data for green ash. The Barr & Stroud allowed tree profile equations to be developed from standing tree measurements with acceptable accuracy, thus providing useful tools towards the valuation and management of southeastern black walnut and green ash.

A dimensionally compatible system of equations for stand basal area, volume, and basal area and volume growth was derived using dimensional analysis. These equations are analytically and numerically consistent with dimensionally compatible individual tree volume and taper equations and share parameters with them. Parameters for the system can be estimated by fitting individual tree taper and volume equations or by fitting stand level basal area and volume equations. In either case the parameters are nearly identical. Therefore, parameters for the system can be estimated at the tree or stand level without changing the results. Data from a thinning study in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations established on cutover site-prepared lands were used to estimate the parameters. However, the developed system of equations is general and can be applied to other tree species in other locales. / Ph. D.