Abstract
Allometric models are useful for assessment of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and aboveground biomass (AGB) of forests and shrubs, and are widely implemented in forest inventory and management. Multiple forms of allometric models have been used to estimate vegetation carbon storage for desert shrubland, but their validity for biomass estimation has not been tested at a region scale with different habitats. To verify the validity of habitat-specific models, general models (combining data from all habitats/sites), and previously developed models for biomass prediction, we developed both general models and habitat-specific models for aboveground biomass and ANPP of Artemisia ordosica Krasch, a dominant shrub of the Mu Us Desert. Our results showed that models based on crown area or canopy volume consistently explained large parts of the variations in aboveground biomass and ANPP. Model fitting highlighted that general allometric models were inadequate across different habitats, and habitat-specific models were useful for that specific habitat. Previous models might be inappropriate for other sites because of site quality differences. There was a strong habitat effect on the allometric relationships of A. ordosica. Although our study is a case in point, the results indicate that allometric models for desert shrubs should be used with caution and require robust validation if adopted from other studies or applied to different sites/habitats.
Highlights
Allometric models are useful for assessment of aboveground-biomass (AGB) and net primary productivity (ANPP) of forests [1,2,3] and shrubs [4,5,6]
De-Miguel et al [21] developed a new approach for large-scale biomass prediction, which combined information from published biomass equations and took into account the unknown differences between different locations. This approach may contribute to accurate large-scale biomass predictions, the application of this method has not been yet widely used in biomass prediction
We focused on establishing general allometric models combining data from all three habitats and habitat-specific models for the prediction of aboveground biomass and ANPP of A. ordosica
Summary
Allometric models are useful for assessment of aboveground-biomass (AGB) and net primary productivity (ANPP) of forests [1,2,3] and shrubs [4,5,6]. The plausible application of these models took four forms: (i) models developed at a specific site were applied to multiple sites; (ii) models developed in multi-sites were applied to multi-sites; (iii) previously developed models were applied to present conditions; (iv) hybrid forms of the above three schemes These models are suitable for small areas or study sites, but their validity at large scales might be questioned. De-Miguel et al [21] developed a new approach (generalized mixed-effects meta-models) for large-scale biomass prediction, which combined information from published biomass equations and took into account the unknown differences between different locations This approach may contribute to accurate large-scale biomass predictions, the application of this method has not been yet widely used in biomass prediction. It is unclear whether habitat quality has a significant impact on shrub allometric relationships in drylands, which are highly heterogeneous environments with distinct habitats
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