Allometric equation for aboveground biomass estimation in moist Afromontane forest in Gesha and Sayilem district in Kaffa zone, southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Allometric equations which are regressions linking the biomass to some independent variables are used to estimate tree components from the forest. The generic equation developed by many authors may not adequately reveal the tree biomass in a specific region in tropics including in Ethiopia. Therefore, the use of species specific allometric equations is important to achieve higher levels of accuracy because trees of different species may differ. The objective of the study was to develop species-specific allometric equations for Apodytes dimidiata, Ilex mitis, Sapium ellipticum and shrubs (Galiniera saxifraga and Vernonia auriculifera) using semi-destructive method for estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB). For purpose of sampling trees, individual species were categorized into trees whose Diameter at breast height (DBH) is ≥ 5 cm.Results: All the necessary biomass calculations were done, and biomass equations were developed for each species. The regression equations relate AGB with DBH, height (H), and density (ρ) were computed and the models were tested for accuracy based on observed data. The best model was selected based higher adj R2 and lower residual standard error and Akaike information criterion than rejected models. The relations for all selected models are significant (p<0.000), which showed strong correlation AGB with selected dendrometric variables. Accordingly, the AGB was strongly correlated with DBH and was not significantly correlated with wood density and height individually in Ilex mitis. In combination, AGB was strongly correlated with DBH, height; DBH and wood density; are better for carbon assessment than general equations.Conclusions: The specific allometeric equation developed for the Gesha-Sayilem Afromontane Forest which can be used in similar moist forests in Ethiopia for the implementation of Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) activities to benefit the local communities from carbon trade.

Allometric equations for the above-ground biomass of Gmelin larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.), Chekanovsky larch (Larix czekanowskii Szaf) in the Ereen Forest-Vegetation Province of Mongolia

“…Ойн экосистем нь агаар мандлаас нүүрс хүчлийн хийг шингээж, нүүрстөрөгчийг нөөцлөх замаар дэлхийн уур амьсгалын дулаарлыг бууруулахад чухал үүрэг гүйцэтгэдэг (Tadese et al, 2004, Addi et al, 2019, Merti et al, 2021.…”