# Species

Allows definition of species groups and ranks (relative species value). Also provides means to change stump height and top diameter specifications used during merchantable volume calculations.

Groups

Ranks

Units

Top

Stump

## Groups

Species groups can be used to make other commands substantially more succinct. Variant models may also pre-define commonly used species groups (e.g., Acadian Variant species groups), so it is important not to use those group names when defining your own.

Example using hierarchical command format:

Species

Groups

Spruce WS RS BS NS

SpruceFir Spruce BF

Same example with inline command format:

Species.Groups.Spruce WS RS BS

Species.Groups.SpruceFir Spruce BF

Important points:

· All species defined for a group must be stated on the same line as the group name.

· Species in a group can be referenced by Variant species code, USDA Latin plant codes, USDA Latin genus codes, and [or] previously defined groups; however, the species code must map to a species that is represented in the Variant model. See Variant species specifications.

· If the same group (same name) is declared again in subsequent statements, the original group is redefined; however, if other if other commands (e.g., Actions) have previously referenced the old group definition, those commands will need to be restated to update the new species group reference.

· There is no limit on number of different groups than can be declared.

## Ranks

Species ranks can be used to prioritize certain species for harvest. Species assigned higher relative value than others will be prioritized for harvest.

Species

Ranks

RedSpruceHighPriority

WS 100

BS 100

RS -1000

BF 1000

In the example above, a new ranking set was declared ‘RedSpruceHighPriority’. For this ranking set, spruce and fir species were assigned different relative values (priorities). Those with higher values will be prioritized first for harvest.

Important points:

· Commands cannot be stated ‘inline’ for Ranks. The example above (hierarchical format) is the only format that is accepted.

· Any species not assigned a value in the ranking set is internally assigned a rank value of zero.

· Species codes declared by the Variant, USDA Latin plant codes, USDA genus codes, or previously defined species groups can be used; however, only species declared by the Variant can be referenced. See Variant species specifications.

· Rank values are assigned in the order they are stated. Using groups in subsequent statements will override any previously set individual species rank values, if that individual is contained in the group.

· If the same ranking set (same name) is declared again in subsequent statements, the original ranking set definition is redefined; however, if other if other commands (e.g., Actions) have previously referenced the old rank definition, those commands will need to be restated to update the new species rank reference.

· There is no limit on number of different ranking sets than can be declared.

## Units

· Determines which unit system is assumed when assigning Top and Stump.

· Default is Metric

· If using USA, this command must be stated before Top and Stump commands.

Units Metric or USA

## Top

Used to change the minimum top diameter inside bark limit in centimetres or inches for calculation of gross merchantable tree volume. Default is 8 cm for all species.

Species

Top 8

Spruce 7

BF 7

Hardwood 10

In the example above, the 8 following TOP will change the top diameter limit for all species to 8 cm. Subsequent statements under TOP specify the top diameters for specific species or groups of species.

Important points:

· Species groups previously defined can be used to assign a new top diameter limit for that group.

· Species codes declared by the custom stand model or USDA plant codes can be used when referencing individual species. Only species represented in the custom stand growth model can be referenced.

· Once set, these settings will remain in place until changed or the application closes.

· Diameter is expressed in centimetres (default) or inches. If using inches, Inputs.Units must first be set to USA.

## Stump

Used to change the minimum stump height in meters or feet for gross merchantable tree volume calculations for reports. Default is 0.30 meters for all species.

Species

Stump 0.45

Spruce 0.15

BF 0.15

Hardwood 0.30

In the example above, the 0.45 following STUMP will change the stump height all species to 0.45 meters. Subsequent statements under STUMP specify the stump height for specific species or groups of species.

Important points:

· Species groups previously defined can be used to assign a new stump height limit for that group.

· Species codes declared by the custom stand model or USDA plant codes can be used when referencing individual species. Only species represented in the custom stand growth model can be referenced.

· Once set, these settings will remain in place until changed or the application closes.

· Height is expressed in meters (default) or feet. If using feet, Inputs.Units must first be set to USA.

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