Allometric models for aboveground biomass estimation of small trees and shrubs in African savanna ecosystems

Nyamukuru, Antonia; Whitney, Cory; Tabuti, John R. S.; Esaete, Josephine; Low, Matthew

doi:10.1016/j.tfp.2023.100377

Cited by 9 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…The leaves, stems, small branches, and roots were separated from each harvested plant. In the case of very small individuals, the stem and small branches were considered as one part [19]. The fresh biomass of each component was weighed separately.…”

Section: Laboratory Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of Allometric Equations to Determine the Biomass of Plant Components and the Total Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Young Mediterranean Argan Trees

Oumasst,

Tiouidji,

Tabi

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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Morocco’s argan trees, native to forests, are now cultivated in large orchards within the Argan Biosphere Reserve, transforming “Arganiculture”. These orchards are anticipated to bolster carbon storage, but their precise contribution to carbon storage remains unclear. This study introduces for the first time allometric equations for estimating biomass in different components of argan plants within orchards. A total of 89 plant individuals, aged 2 to 6 years, were collected. Their diameter and total height were measured. The biomass, carbon content, and biomass carbon stock of each component were determined. The best-fit allometric equation incorporates diameter, height, growing years, and root-to-shoot ratio to estimate total biomass (R2 = 0.95). The estimated total carbon biomass stock ranged from 0.01 to 0.82 t CO2 ha−1 for plants, at a density of 200 plants ha−1. Between 2021 and 2023, the average annual carbon sequestration was 0.20 t CO2 ha−1 year−1. This model offers valuable tools for use when species-specific equations during the establishment growing stage are unavailable, enhancing carbon sequestration quantification for more reliable results and informing climate change mitigation strategies. The allometric parameters serve as benchmarks for trees resembling the argan tree. The methodology could be adapted for other forest plants undergoing conversion to orchard cultivation.

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Section: Laboratory Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of Allometric Equations to Determine the Biomass of Plant Components and the Total Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Young Mediterranean Argan Trees

Oumasst,

Tiouidji,

Tabi

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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show abstract

“…AGB across savannas is quantified by field measurements, which typically involve allometric equations [10,11]. However, few allometric equations exist for savannas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Allometric equations are mostly derived by measuring the diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height and seldomly include wood density [4,10,12]. Recent studies across tropical and savanna ecosystems have shown that the inclusion of crown diameter in the development of allometric equations provides more accurate estimates [11,13]. However, crown measurements are difficult to acquire due to inaccuracies and the processes being labour-intensive and therefore are mostly omitted [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Individual Tree-Scale Aboveground Biomass Estimation of Woody Vegetation in a Semi-Arid Savanna Using 3D Data

Muumbe,

Singh,

Baade

et al. 2024

Remote Sensing

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Allometric equations are the most common way of assessing Aboveground biomass (AGB) but few exist for savanna ecosystems. The need for the accurate estimation of AGB has triggered an increase in the amount of research towards the 3D quantification of tree architecture through Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS). Quantitative Structure Models (QSMs) of trees have been described as the most accurate way. However, the accuracy of using QSMs has yet to be established for the savanna. We implemented a non-destructive method based on TLS and QSMs. Leaf-off multi scan TLS point clouds were acquired in 2015 in Kruger National Park, South Africa using a Riegl VZ1000. The 3D data covered 80.8 ha with an average point density of 315.3 points/m2. Individual tree segmentation was applied using the comparative shortest-path algorithm, resulting in 1000 trees. As 31 trees failed to be reconstructed, we reconstructed optimized QSMs for 969 trees and the computed tree volume was converted to AGB using a wood density of 0.9. The TLS-derived AGB was compared with AGB from three allometric equations. The best modelling results had an RMSE of 348.75 kg (mean = 416.4 kg) and a Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) of 0.91. Optimized QSMs and model repetition gave robust estimates as given by the low coefficient of variation (CoV = 19.9% to 27.5%). The limitations of allometric equations can be addressed by the application of QSMs on high-density TLS data. Our study shows that the AGB of savanna vegetation can be modelled using QSMs and TLS point clouds. The results of this study are key in understanding savanna ecology, given its complex and dynamic nature.

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“…If managed well, good land cover will help improve water quality and quantity (Kumi et al, 2023), biodiversity, and carbon sequestration (Laudon and Hasselquist, 2023). The quantification of diverse forest components helps mitigate climate change because forests can absorb large amounts of greenhouse gasses and then store them for long periods (Nyamukuru et al, 2023). These benefits will be reduced if the forest experiences damage, which can result in reduced land cover.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in natural forest land cover of the Eucalyptus urophylla type in the Mutis Timau area in 2002-2022, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Marimpan,

Purwanto,

Wardhana

et al. 2024

J. Degrade. Min. Land Manage.

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Anthropogenic activities carried out by communities around forests in production forests, protected forests, and conservation forests have an impact on changes in the land cover of these areas. This impact is difficult to avoid because, on the other hand, production forests and protected forests are in direct contact with the lives of local communities. Changes in land cover have a significant impact on the contribution of Folu Net Sink, which is set by the government at 31.89% in 2030 with its efforts. This research aims to provide an overview of land cover changes that occurred in natural forests of the Eucalyptus urophylla type from 2002 to 2022. The method used in this research is a supervised/guided digital classification technique. Ground checks were also carried out in this research to match the accuracy of the image data with the actual conditions in the field. The research results show that changes in land cover in 2012 and 2017 were very extreme. Forest fires were the cause of changes in land cover during this period. Meanwhile, in 2002, 2007, and 2022, the land cover was still good, in a positive direction. The causes of changes in land cover are encroachment activities, encroachment, illegal logging, firewood theft, rice fields, forest fires, plantations, and farming. Forest preservation provides very high benefits for life on earth. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the welfare of local communities so that they do not damage the forest, as well as increase the capacity to educate the community regarding zoning or blocks in conservation and protected forests. Apart from that, good forest management is needed to ensure forest sustainability in the future.

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Allometric models for aboveground biomass estimation of small trees and shrubs in African savanna ecosystems

Cited by 9 publications

References 40 publications

Development of Allometric Equations to Determine the Biomass of Plant Components and the Total Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Young Mediterranean Argan Trees

Development of Allometric Equations to Determine the Biomass of Plant Components and the Total Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Young Mediterranean Argan Trees

Individual Tree-Scale Aboveground Biomass Estimation of Woody Vegetation in a Semi-Arid Savanna Using 3D Data

Changes in natural forest land cover of the Eucalyptus urophylla type in the Mutis Timau area in 2002-2022, East Nusa Tenggara Province

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