Dendrometer bands have been proposed as an accurate method for measuring tree growth. However, the constrained observation window and the material used in them hamper long-term tree growth monitoring. This study devised a dendrometer band made from stainless steel and primarily extended the extension length of the band spring to yield ample space to monitor diameter increments long-term. A total of more than 500 individual trees, including both coniferous and broadleaf trees, were examined. We compared the dendrometer band’s long-term performance with diameter tape for 5- and 10-year measurements. The results showed that the measurements of the two methods were highly correlated (R > 0.89) in both measuring periods. Differences between the two measurements for individual trees were typically less than 5 mm, and the mean differences at a stand level were less than 2 mm. These consistent observations suggested that the dendrometer band measurements were reliable for long-term measurement. Using the dendrometer bands, we further demonstrated the annual tree growths of diameter at breast height (DBH) and basal area (BA) for ten years of measurements. The size-dependent relationships between DBH/BA growth and initial DBH were also presented. Owing to their simple installation, low cost, and reliable measurement, these dendrometer bands would be helpful in forestry and forest ecology research.

中文翻译：

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使用自制的不锈钢树木测量仪带进行长期树木生长测量

树木测量带已被提议作为测量树木生长的准确方法。然而，受限的观察窗和其中使用的材料阻碍了长期的树木生长监测。这项研究设计了一种由不锈钢制成的树木测量仪带，主要是延长带弹簧的延伸长度，以产生足够的空间来长期监测直径增量。总共检查了 500 多棵树木，包括针叶树和阔叶树。我们将树木仪带与直径带的长期性能进行了 5 年和 10 年测量的比较。结果表明，两种方法的测量结果在两个测量周期内均高度相关（R > 0.89）。单棵树的两次测量之间的差异通常小于 5 毫米，林分水平的平均差异小于 2 毫米。这些一致的观察结果表明，树木仪带测量对于长期测量是可靠的。使用树木仪带，我们进一步展示了十年测量中树木胸径（DBH）和断面积（BA）的年生长量。还提出了胸径/胸径生长和初始胸径之间的尺寸依赖性关系。由于安装简单、成本低廉、测量可靠，这些树木仪带将有助于林业和森林生态学研究。