Abstract
BackgroundApplication of allometric equations for quantifying forests aboveground biomass is a crucial step related to efforts of climate change mitigation. Generalized allometric equations have been applied for estimating biomass and carbon storage of forests. However, adopting a generalized allometric equation to estimate the biomass of different forests generates uncertainty due to environmental variation. Therefore, formulating species-specific allometric equations is important to accurately quantify the biomass. Montane moist forest ecosystem comprises high forest type which is mainly found in the southwestern part of Ethiopia. Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve is categorized into Afromontane Rainforest vegetation types in this ecosystem. This study was aimed to formulate species-specific allometric equations for Albizia grandibracteata Tuab. and Trichilia dregeana Sond. using the semi-destructive method.ResultsAllometric equations in form of power models were developed for each tree species by evaluating the statistical relationships of total aboveground biomass (TAGB) and dendrometric variables. TAGB was regressed against diameter at breast height (D), total height (H), and wood density (ρ) individually and in a combination. The allometric equations were selected based on model performance statistics. Equations with the higher coefficient of determination (adj.R2), lower residual standard error (RSE), and low Akaike information criterion (AIC) values were found best fitted. Relationships between TAGB and predictive variables were found statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) for all selected equations. Higher bias was reported related to the application of pan-tropical or generalized allometric equations.ConclusionsFormulating species-specific allometric equations is found important for accurate tree biomass estimation and quantifying the carbon stock. The developed biomass regression models can be applied as a species-specific equation to the montane moist forest ecosystem of southwestern Ethiopia.
Highlights
Application of allometric equations for quantifying forests aboveground biomass is a crucial step related to efforts of climate change mitigation
Albizia grandibracteata and Trichilia dregeana contributes significant amount of basal area (BA) M2 ha−1, which has great implication to storing high amount of biomass and carbon
The diameters at breast height (DBH) versus tree height plot was constructed for the area of interest; it has a purpose to compare and determine how appropriate the biomass regression model for a given site
Summary
Application of allometric equations for quantifying forests aboveground biomass is a crucial step related to efforts of climate change mitigation. Generalized allometric equations have been applied for estimating biomass and carbon storage of forests. The tropical forest ecosystem has been playing a significant role in mitigating the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and associated climate change impacts. This ecosystem is known for its highest carbon pool when compared to other biomes of the world [1,2,3]. Applying a robust method for carbon stock estimation is a crucial step for the successful implementation of climate change mitigation strategies like REDD+ [8]
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