Abstract
The disturbance of mangrove forests could affect climate regulation, hydrological cycles, biodiversity, and many other unique ecological functions and services. Proper biomass estimation and carbon storage potential are needed to improve forest reference on biomass accumulation. The establishment of a site-specific allometric equation is crucial to avert destructive sampling in future biomass estimation. This study aimed to develop a site-specific allometric equation for biomass estimation of a mix-mature mangrove forest at Sungai Pulai Forest Reserve, Johor. A stratified line transect was set up and a total of 1000 standing trees encompassing seven mangrove tree species were inventoried. Destructive sampling was conducted using the selective random sampling method on 15 standing trees. Five allometric equations were derived by using diameter at breast height (D), stem height (H), and wood density (ρ) which were then compared to the common equation. Simulations of each allometric equation regarding species were performed on 1000 standing trees. Results showed that the single variable (D) equation provided an accurate estimation, which was slightly improved when incorporated with the H variable. Both D and H variables, however, gave inconsistent results for large-scale data and imbalance of sampled species. Meanwhile, the best fit either for small-scale or large-scale data, as well as for imbalanced sample species was achieved following the inclusion of the ρ variable when developing the equation. Hence, excluding the H variable while including the ρ variable should be considered as an important determinant in mixed mangrove species and uneven-aged stand for aboveground biomass estimation. This valuation can both improve and influence decision-making in forest development and conservation.
Highlights
The present study focused on determining the biomass accumulation on a natural mature mangrove forest occupied by mixed species
The allometric equation derived for the relationship between D, H, and ρ variables from 15 destructive sampling trees of seven species was in the range of DBH from 9.0 cm to 33.0 cm
The single variable (D) equation provides an accurate estimation, which is slightly improved when incorporated with the H variable
Summary
Mangrove forests play unique ecological functions in subtropical coastal regions [1,2,3,4].It takes years for the ecosystem to reach the maturity phase to facilitate the provision of providing essential services, such as fisheries, timber and fuelwood production [5,6], habitat protection [7], coastal defense [8], and carbon sink production in the tropics [9,10,11].In compliance with the Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Land Degradation (REDD+) [12,13], the Malaysian Government must provide the national Forest ReferenceLevel of mangrove forest biomass productivity and carbon stock to the United NationsFramework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC). In compliance with the Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Land Degradation (REDD+) [12,13], the Malaysian Government must provide the national Forest Reference. Level of mangrove forest biomass productivity and carbon stock to the United Nations. The proper and accurate estimation of forest biomass is one of the 22 elements to determine the Total Economic Valuation (TEV). For forest ecosystems and services based on the framework by The Economics of Ecosystem and Biodiversity (TEEB) [14] as explained by De Groot et al [15]. The mangrove forest geomorphological condition is limited in terms of accessibility, time consumption, and in posing a threat to worker’s safety. The aboveground biomass of mangrove forests still needs to be estimated, considering their exceptional roles and services to the environment
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