Abstract: The objectives of this study were to provide a model reference for estimation of seedling height according to crown width based on imagery, and to provide technical guidance for the seedling industry. To this end, soil moisture and seedling growth data were first obtained through the application of automated field sensors. Model parameters were then estimated using a promising measurement error model method. The next stage of this study was to carry out comparative research on the fitted results from the Logistic model (Logistic regression) and the Richards model. Finally, relationships between soil moisture, growth rate, and the daily crown width increment were fitted by a cubic polynomial function. Results showed that: 1) The measurement error model method provided good estimation accuracy of the parameters when dependent and independent variables were found within the measurement error. 2) The Richards model was superior to the Logistic model when simulating yellow horn seedling growth and relationships between crown width and seedling height. 3) Seedlings require higher soil moisture content during the initial growth stage, and that optimum soil moisture content demand for the daily maximum crown width increment will decrease with an increase in growth rate.

Key words: yellow horn seedling growth, measurement error model, soil moisture, modeling