Data from these 25 permanent sample plots of Cupressus
stands were used in this study. Because later on it turned out
that the data of Gambo and Shashemene can be combined to
one system of site index functions, the main characteristics
are given by the resulting two groups of plots in Table 2. The
data were taken from squared sample plots having an area of
0.04 ha. The trees measured in the sample plots were given
consecutive numbers in order to identify them individually at
each measurement. The sample plots have been continuously
observed from ages 7 to 21 in Gambo–Shashemene, and from
ages 10 to 18 in Munesa. The minimum and maximum time
intervals between two measurements were 1 and 2 years,
respectively. In fact, the age later on used in the calculations
was given in decimals of a year as they resulted from the
exact dates of measurement. Thus, measurements were taken
5–8 times. All together a total of 163 observations were
available from the permanent sample plots. The height of all
trees in the sample plots was recorded so that a diameter and
height curve was not required. Dominant height of the stand
has been defined as the mean height of the 100 largest trees
per hectare.