Tree-Level Above-Ground Biomass Equations for Pinus sylvestris L. in Mongolia

Abstract

Allometric equations have been used as a main tool to quantify forest above-ground biomass. Therefore, the development of species-specific allometric equations is essential to accurately estimate forest biomass. The present study aims at developing species-specific equations for above-ground biomass (AGB) estimation for Pinus sylvestris L. in northern Mongolia. A total of 35 sample trees were harvested from natural Scots pine forests in the northeastern Khangai and western Khentii forest regions. Evaluating the statistical relationships of AGB against predictor variables, three allometric equations were formulated. Stem diameter at breast height (D) and height (H) were measured, and the biomass of stem, branches and needles were weighed, separately. AGB was regressed against stem D and H individually, and in combination. The best-fitting equations with a higher coefficient of determination and lower residual standard error were selected using model performance statistics. The most well performing biomass model was the logarithmic equation lnŶ = lna + b x lnD + c x lnH for the estimation of the total AGB, the stem, branch and needle masses. The biomass model is the important tool for accurate estimation of Scots pine forest biomass and carbon stocks in Mongolia.