Allometric Models to Predict Total Height and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) for the Flooded Forest Ecosystems in Cambodia

Horn Sarun (Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia)
Sok Pheak (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Hengsamrin Thbong Khmum, Cambodia)
Horn Meta (Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Kratie, Cambodia)
Chhaun Molikoy (Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia)
In Sokra (Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Kratie, Cambodia)
Rima Darmawanti (Environmental Analysts, Shirvano Consulting, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

Jurnal Ilmu Kehutanan
Vol 20 No 1 (2026): March

Reliable allometric equations are essential for estimating forest structure, biomass, and carbon stocks, which are still scarce in Cambodia's flooded forests. Therefore, this study aimed to develop predictive models fortwo key allometric relationships: (1) total tree height as a function of diameter at breast height (DBH) and (2) estimation of DBH from stump diameter when DBH measurements were unavailable. The analysis compared their performance using the coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The results showed that the logarithmic model performed optimally for Height–DBH relationship (R2 = 0.494; RMSE = 2.59 m; AIC = 1738.9). The selected equation, H = −1.7261 + 4.1124 × ln (DBH). DBH correlated strongly with stump diameter (r = 0.98, p < 0.001), with the power equationDBH = 0.969 × Stump Diameter0.983 as the best predictor. These stumpbased relationships served as important tools in estimating biomass and carbon stocks in disturbed or logged forests where DBH could not be measured directly. Furthermore, the results showed the structural variability of Cambodia's flooded forests and provided practical allometric tools for forest inventory, biomass estimation, and carbon accounting underREDD+ initiatives.