Fundamentals
Yield table
A tabulated projection of stand volume and increment by age and site class, used for planning and baseline work.
Yield tables condense decades of mensuration data into expected volume at a given age and site quality. They are quick to apply and easy to audit.
Their limitations are those of their origin: even-aged, single-species, fully stocked stands under conventional management. Applying them to irregular or degraded forest overstates what the land will produce.
Frequently asked questions
Are yield tables still used?
Yes, for plantation planning and as a cross-check on model outputs.
What is site class?
A productivity ranking, usually derived from height at a reference age.