Carbon stock and biomass estimate by additive models applied to Ilex paraguariensis

Abstract

Ilex paraguariensis is an important non-timber forest product in southern Brazil, where it is cultivated in association with native species, given its demand for shading, which contributes to the conservation and carbon fixation in its biomass. However, determining this biomass is difficult, since the estimates do not guarantee additivity between the compartments and the total aboveground biomass. This study aimed to evaluate additive (seemingly unrelated regression - SUR) and non-additive (ordinary least squares - OLS) biomass models in an Ilex paraguariensis stand and comparing its carbon stock with other land use types, consolidating its potential in the face of climate change. A total of 30 trees were cut, compartmentalized and weighed on a digital scale, and four biomass models were adjusted. The carbon stocks were compared with values found in the literature. The bias in the SUR model was less than 2 %, except for the leaves, while the bias in the OLS model varied between 1 and 14 %. The error ranged between 23 and 49 % for SUR, and between 31 and 50 % for OLS. The models adjusted by SUR ensured the accuracy and additivity of the compartments. The Ilex paraguariensis stand stored more carbon than agriculture and pasture areas, removing more CO2, evidencing the sustainability of this system and favoring the climate stability.