Estimating tree biomass of sub-Saharan African forests: a review of available allometric equations

Abstract

In response to the growing interest in estimating carbon stocks in forests, available allometric equations have been compiled for sub-Saharan Africa. Tree, sprout and stand volume and biomass equations were reviewed. The 850 equations and 125 related references were incorporated into an open-access database on the Carboafrica website (http://www.carboafrica. net). The collected information provides a basic tool for the estimation of biomass and carbon stocks and other purposes, such as bioenergy and fodder supply assessment. A Tier-method approach was developed to illustrate the possible use of the equations. Current available biomass expansion factors that are used to convert a volume to the total aboveground biomass appear to be limited; incomplete species-specific allometric equations are preferred to generalised equations. The analysis of the database highlighted important gaps in available tools to assess forest carbon stocks and changes in these stocks. A quality control assessment revealed that 22% of the equations were misreported and recommendations were proposed to guide further research. Further statistical analyses, such as the Bayesian approach, would help to produce more accurate biomass estimates.

Modeling Crown Biomass for Four Pine Species in China

“…Among the four main variables affecting crown biomass (D, H, crown width, and crown length), D was the most important, which was consistent with the conclusions of related literature [4,5,9,20,36]. Crown width was the next most important variable affecting crown biomass, consistent with the conclusion of Hoffmann et al (2002) [6].…”

“…Previous studies have reported significant variations in forest biomass estimation between different ecological zones, tree species, ages, density and management types [4,5]. Particularly, crown biomass estimates, which include branch and foliage biomass, vary widely between species.…”

Tissue carbon concentration of 175 Mexican forest species

“…S1 in Supplementary materials), at least three individuals from each of the 175 species, a sample of ca. 50 g (fresh mass) was taken from different plant parts following Henry et al (2011): leaves (L), buds (Bd), fruits (F), branches (B), bark from branches (Bb), twig (< 5 cm in diameter -T), bark from twig (Bt), stem (S), bark from stem (Bs), roots (R) and root cuticles (Rc). Only undamaged trees with no deformities were included in the study.…”

Assessment and prediction of above-ground biomass in selectively logged forest concessions using field measurements and remote sensing data: Case study in South East Cameroon

“…The allometric equations used for volume estimation were extracted from (Henry et al, 2011). The equations were selected according to the following criteria: for each species, the first consideration was given to allometric equations that were developed using data collected in Cameroon, if these were unavailable; equations developed with data collected in different countries, but with similar climatic and ecological characteristics to those of Cameroon were considered.…”

“…The total above-ground ground biomass of a tree is given by the partial biomass multiplied by the biomass expansion factor (BEF) (Henry et al, 2011). In this study, only the partial biomass (biomass of tree logs) was calculated as the biomass expansion factor was not applied in the calculations that used equations in the form of the general equation (1).…”