Allometric Models for Estimating Aboveground Biomass in Short Rotation Crops of Acacia Species in Two Different Sites in Chile

Antonio Cabrera-Ariza,Sara Valdés,Rómulo Eduardo Santelices-Moya,Horacio Gilabert,Máximo Alonso-Valdés

doi:10.3390/f12121767

Abstract

We evaluated the ability of different allometric models to estimate the biomass production of short-rotation woody crops of Acacia dealbata, A. mearnsii and A. melanoxylon. Models considered the adjustment and validation of biomass functions and biological restrictions, such as the use of additive components of the biomass (stem, branches, and leaves). Adjustments of linear and nonlinear models of the three acacia species—established in two locations and of three densities in southern Chile—were utilized. Systems of equations were adjusted to guarantee the addition of the biomass components and the trees’ total biomass. The selection of models was performed based on their goodness of fit and predictive quality. Methods that accounted for the correlation between biomass components granted an additively consistent equations system with efficient estimates and reliable prediction intervals.

Highlights

Volatility in fossil fuel prices has increased the relevance of forest biomass as an alternative energy source
Crops of Acacia dealbata, Acacia mearnsii, and Acacia melanoxylon were established at two contrasting experimental sites in Los Ángeles County in the Bío-Bío Region
The procedures evaluated in this study enabled the prediction of the total biomass of Acacia spp. based on a set of equations additively consistent with each other

Summary

Introduction

Volatility in fossil fuel prices has increased the relevance of forest biomass as an alternative energy source. Of the SRWC species with high potential worldwide, those of the genus Acacia are especially valuable due to their reproductive strategies, plasticity, and combustible properties, which are praised throughout the existing literature and on the international stage [1,2,3]. In this context, the development of prediction models capable of precise biomass estimations is required. To estimate forest biomass, there is significant literature on the development and use of allometric models [5]. To reduce this uncertainty in the estimation of biomass, it is generally best to use species- and site-specific allometric models [7]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion