Allometric models for estimating aboveground biomass and carbon stock for <i>Diospyros mespiliformis</i> in West Africa

Abstract

Accurate estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB) strongly depend on the suitability and precision of allometric models. Hochst. ex A. DC. is a key component of most sub-Sahara agroforestry systems and, one of the most economically important trees in Africa. Despite its importance, very few scientific information exists regarding its biomass and carbon storage potential. In this study direct method was used to develop site-specific biomass models for tree components in Burkina Faso. Allometric models were developed for stem, branch and leaf biomass using data from 39 tree harvested in Sudanian savannas of Burkina Faso. Diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, crown diameter (CD) and basal diameter (D) were regressed on biomass component using non-linear models with DBH alone, and DBH in combination with height and/or CD as predictor variables. Carbon content was estimated for each tree component using the ash method. Allometric models differed between the experimental sites, except for branch biomass models. Site-specific models developed in this study exhibited good model fit and performance, with explained variance of 81–98%. Using models developed from other areas would have underestimated or overestimated biomass by between –72% and +98%. Carbon content in aboveground components of in Tiogo, Boulon and Tapoa-Boopo was 55.40% ± 1.50, 55.52% ± 1.06 and 55.63% ± 1.00, respectively, and did not vary significantly (-value = 0.909). Site-specific models developed in this study are useful tool for estimating carbon stocks and can be used to accurately estimate tree components biomass in vegetation growing under similar conditions.Diospyros mespiliformisD. mespiliformis20D. mespiliformisP

Multispecies allometric equations for shrubs and trees biomass prediction in a Guinean savanna (West Africa)

“…We can therefore assume that the trunk/stem volume, calculated from a realistic hypothesis about its shape (the square of the diameter times the height), is a good predictor of the AGB of trees (Crow and Schlaegel 1988). However, the use of the basal diameter rather than the diameter at breast height (dbh) -that is widely used for biomass prediction in forest trees -is more reliable for predicting tree biomass in West African savannas (Sawadogo et al 2010;Amadou 2020;Ouédraogo et al 2020). The base of the stem represents the best part for measuring accurately stem diameter in savanna trees, as higher up stems are generally deformed due to regular fire damage.…”

“…Allometric equations are necessary for estimating C stocks in vegetations around the world, as direct destructive measurements cannot be used at large scales (Addo-Danso et al 2016;Ouédraogo et al 2020). Initial destructive measurements in the field are however required to provide robust models (Picard et al 2012).…”

Distribution and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Cola Laurifolia Mast.: A Dominant Native Riparian Species Along Permanent Rivers in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Seemingly, the relationship between biomass and predicator variables was first explored to identify outliers but with cook's distance of residuals and the nature of correlation. Then, tree components biomass and predictors variables relationship was graphically explored with the pairwise scatter plot (Ganamé et al, 2020;Ouédraogo et al, 2020). This method suggested the power low model as appropriate for Cola laurifolia.…”

“…Therefore, information about biomass stocks in both the aboveground and belowground parts of trees is essential to begin carbon trading (Makungwa et al, 2013), assess sustainable production, and evaluate the impacts of various silvicultural practices ( Santa Regina, 2000: Mankessi et al, 2022). The essential of carbon stock are evaluated in protected areas and tropical forests in growing plants (Ouédraogo et al, 2020), wood debris (Ifo et al, 2017), roots (Xie et al, 2020) and soils (Mankessi et al, 2022). Indeed, the management of protected areas that reduce deforestation also plays an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation while delivering numerous ecosystem services and sustainable development benefits (Bebber & Butt, 2017).…”

“…From the socio-economical savanna tree species occurring in Burkina Faso, there are specific allometric models developed for some of them, namely Jatropha curas (Bayen et al, 2015), Vitellaria paradoxa , Diospyros mespiliformis (Ouédraogo et al, 2020), Pterocarpus erinaceus (Ganamé et al, 2020), Balanites aegyptiaca (Ouédraogo et al, 2020), and for some species of Vachelia and Senegalia genus (Bayen et al, 2020). However, there are no specific models for estimating the biomass of C. laurifolia despite its socio-economic and ecological importance (Sambaré et al, 2010).…”