Abstract
BackgroundAllometric equations are used to estimate biomass and carbon stock of forests. In Ethiopia, despite the presence of large floral diversity, only a few site-specific allometric equations have been developed so far. This study was conducted in the Omo-Gibe woodland of south-western Ethiopia to develop an allometric equation to estimate the Above-ground Biomass (AGB) of the four Acacia species (Senegalia polyacantha, Vachellia seyal, Vachellia etbaica and Vachellia tortilis). Fifty-four (54) Acacia trees were sampled and measured within 35 temporarily established square plots. In each plot, dendrometric variables were measured to derive the models based on combinations of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), height, and wood density as predictor variables. Model performance was evaluated using goodness-of-fit statistics. The biomass was compared using four allometric biomass models that have been widely used in the tropics.ResultsThe model containing DBH alone was more accurate to estimate AGB compared to the use of multiple predictor variables. This study, therefore, substantiated the importance of site-specific allometric equations in estimating the AGB of Acacia woodlands. This is because a site-specific allometric equation recognizes the environmental factors, vegetation types and management practices.ConclusionsThe results of this study contribute to a better understanding of allometric equations and an accurate estimate of AGB of Acacia woodlands in Ethiopia and similar ecosystems elsewhere.
Highlights
Allometric equations are used to estimate biomass and carbon stock of forests
A large number of regression models have already been published; this study focused on four equations, which are widely used in Ethiopia for biomass assessment
The Vachellia tortilis was found to be of lower tree density (156 ± 1.1 trees/ha) (Table 1)
Summary
Allometric equations are used to estimate biomass and carbon stock of forests. The major climate mitigation option is Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) by promoting conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancing forest carbon stocks in developing countries [6]. One of the critical elements for the REDD+ mechanism is the capacity to know the carbon storage potential of forest ecosystems [7]. This can be achieved by establishing biomass allometric equations to reduce uncertainties in carbon accounting and carbon trading in the voluntary and mandatory markets [8, 9]
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