A Rapid Technique for Estimating Total Surface Area of Pine Needles

A technique for estimating total surface area of pine needles was developed. Only three variables are required for calculating surface area: (1) displaced volume of the needle sample; (2) cumulative needle length of the sample; and (3) number of needles per fascicle. The technique was compared to two other commonly used methods, projection and calculation, on six species of pine representing 2-, 3-, or 5-needled pine. The technique showed good correspondence with the projection method while correspondence with calculated surface area was less than satisfactory. Further analysis indicated that the discrepancy was due to a measurement error in the calculation method and was not attributable to the newly developed technique. Forest Sci. 30:913-921.