Comparison of Modeling Approaches for the Height–diameter Relationship: An Example with Planted Mongolian Pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) Trees in Northeast China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

General comments:

Modelling the dependence of height on dbh is a well-known topic. In the literature, we have a large number of models available, such as fitting methods. However, it is always worth considering further research to expand knowledge.

Detailed comments:

Page 2, paragraph 1: Numerous studies have shown that the generalized– please add references. Hdom is the most significant variable - it is true that this parameter is important, but it should be remembered that using the height requires additional measurements. Scholars - ?.

Page 2 paragraph 2: effects explain the differences between each region – a not only region it all depends on the data structure.

Page 3 last paragraph: please explain the term: largest trees, whether they are the thickest trees?

Figure 1: there is a possibility of distinguishing two subsets differing in a relationship. I suppose that they reflect two Forest Farms. Therefore, this should be taken into account when showing the behaviour of the "best" models in relation to the measured data. Such a figure will allow deciding whether there is a need to change the approach to data analysis.

Page 5 paragraph 3: In general, BM and GM can predict H for new plots without measuring the H subsample - this is not true because we need measurements to define Hdom, which is an independent variable in the GM equation (2).

 

 

Author Response

We appreciate the anonymous reviewers for their encouragement, careful review of the manuscript, and constructive comments and suggestions. We write the response on a word document.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

 

In the current study, 6 different modeling methods for h prediction of the Mongolian pine are compared. The study is interesting, the analysis is sound and I think that the study has good potential for publishing. However, there are some issues that demand attention. Since line-numbering does not exist, my comments are provided in the attached pdf.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

We appreciate the anonymous reviewers for their encouragement, careful review of the manuscript, and constructive comments and suggestions. We write the response on a word document.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx