Remote-Sensed Tree Crown Diameter as a Predictor of Stem Diameter and Above-Ground Biomass in Betula pendula Roth and Populus tremuloides Michx. × Populus tremula L. Plantations

Abstract

Striving for climate neutrality and wider implementation of climate change mitigation measures including tree introduction in agricultural land, request for approaches and general allometric models for estimating carbon (C) stock in tree above-ground biomass (AGB) based on relatively easily obtainable remote sensing data is increasing. Here, we present estimates of individual trees’ crown diameters (CDs) for Betula pendula Roth (B. pendula) and Populus tremuloides Michx. × Populus tremula L. (P. tremuloides × P. tremula) in 11-year-old tree plantations (tree height ranged up to 12.8 and 18.1 m, respectively) in the hemiboreal region of Europe (in Latvia). Individual trees’ CDs were measured using a drone orthophoto map. Afterwards, linear equations were developed to predict individual trees’ stem diameters at breast height (DBHs) and, consequently, tree AGB (which was then converted to C stock) from remote-sensed tree CD data. RMSEs of the prediction models of tree stem DBH were in the ranges of 1.87–2.12 cm for B. pendula and 2.50–3.12 cm for P. tremuloides × P. tremula. This demonstrated approach is applicable to carry out, for instance, a self-assessment and approximate C stock in the AGB of selected tree species by land owners, managers, and other implementers of climate change mitigation measures.