Field methods for above and belowground biomass estimation in plantation forests

Area of Science:

• Forestry Science
• Ecology
• Biomass Estimation

Background:

• Accurate biomass estimation is crucial for sustainable forest management and carbon accounting.
• Existing methods for biomass quantification in plantation forests can be labor-intensive and costly.
• Need for standardized, practical methodologies for diverse forest types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a practical and cost-effective destructive sampling method for estimating above and belowground biomass.
• To provide detailed procedures for consistent biomass data collection in plantation forests.
• To develop allometric relationships for predicting individual tree biomass.

Main Methods:

• Detailed methodology for selecting sample trees and weighing components in the field.
• Techniques for excavating root systems and obtaining fresh weights.
• Laboratory analysis of components to determine oven-dry weights for biomass calculation.

Main Results:

• Development of a streamlined data collection process integrating field and laboratory measurements.
• Accurate quantification of above and belowground biomass for Corymbia citriodora.
• Identification of measured variables essential for developing robust allometric relationships.

Conclusions:

• The described destructive sampling method is practical and cost-effective for plantation eucalypts.
• The methodology facilitates consistent biomass data collection for 18-20-year-old plantation forests.
• Procedures are adaptable for other eucalypt species, native forests, and international applications.