ALLOMETRIC EQUATIONS FOR BELOWGROUND BIOMASS AND CARBON CONTENT OF Pinus patula SCHL. et CHAM.

Abstract

Allometric equations are essential tools for estimating biomass and carbon fixation in forest ecosystems. Published information is limited for belowground biomass of forests, mainly due to the methodological challenges of its determination. With the aim of contributing to the study of this important carbon store, in the present study allometric equations were developed for the estimation of belowground biomass of Pinus patula Schiede ex Schldl. et Cham. in its main natural distribution area: the states of Hidalgo, Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. Seven Pinus patula trees with varying dimensions were selected and torn down at various sites; their diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (H), and crown diameter (CD) were measured. The totality of fine and coarse roots was extracted; the aboveground biomass was quantified by census, by sampling or by means of an allometric equation. Equations were developed for belowground biomass and carbon content, both total and by components, aswell as for individual root, both total and by components. The average root/ shoot ratio was 0.20 and the proportion of belowground in relation to the total biomass ranged from 12.1 to 21.2 %. The data on belowground biomass and carbon content at the tree level better fitted the Schumacher and Hall model that included both DBH and H as independent variables, which explained 99 % of the variation of belowground biomass and carbon. It was concluded that it is possible to use allometric equations to estimate the belowground biomass and carbon of Pinus patula trees from DBH and H, or even using only DBH.