Forest Carbon Emissions Research Articles

Study of Water Balance for Tropical Peatland Restoration Case Study: Sinarwajo Village, Jambi Province, Indonesia

Efforts to restore degraded peatlands that have declining groundwater levels are carried out to prevent disasters such as forest fires and carbon emissions into the atmosphere. At present, peatland restoration is an essential topic for researchers, especially regarding hydrological restoration (the re-wetting). Water balance calculation is needed in providing hydrological information and supporting re-wetting of degraded peatlands. In this paper, a study of water balance was conducted for peatland re-wetting in Sinarwajo Village, the Province of Jambi. The result showed that the evapotranspiration budget is 56% from the rainfall. Besides, run-off and groundwater storage is about 32% and 12% respectively. This information can be a primary goal of re-wetting, so the efforts of re-wetting should increase more groundwater storage and limit the water discharge from peatland.

Cumulative Severity of Thinned and Unthinned Forests in a Large California Wildfire

Studies pertaining to fire severity in commercially thinned versus unthinned forests are based on a comparison of tree mortality between the two categories. Commercial thinning is widely conducted on public and private forestlands as a fire management approach designed to reduce fire severity and associated tree mortality. However, tree mortality from thinning itself, prior to the occurrence of the wildfire, is generally not taken into account, which leaves a potentially important source of tree loss, with its associated forest carbon loss and carbon emissions, unreported. This study investigated the “cumulative severity” of commercially thinned and unthinned forests in a large 2021 wildfire, the Antelope fire, occurring within mixed-conifer forests on public lands in northern California, USA. Using published data regarding the percent basal area mortality for each commercial thinning unit that burned in the Antelope fire, combined with percent basal area mortality due to the fire itself from post-fire satellite imagery, it was found that commercial thinning was associated with significantly higher overall tree mortality levels (cumulative severity). More research is needed, in other large forest fires, to determine whether the finding, that commercial thinning killed more trees than it prevented from being killed, is common elsewhere.

Modelling Aboveground Biomass of Miombo Woodlands in Niassa Special Reserve, Northern Mozambique

Aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation plays a crucial role in forest management and carbon emission reporting, especially for developing countries wishing to address REDD+ projects. Both passive and active remote-sensing technologies can provide spatially explicit information of AGB by using a limited number of field samples, thus reducing the substantial budgetary cost of field inventories. The aim of the current study was to estimate AGB in the Niassa Special Reserve (NSR) using fusion of optical (Landsat 8/OLI and Sentinel 2A/MSI) and radar (Sentinel 1B and ALOS/PALSAR-2) data. The performance of multiple linear regression models to relate ground biomass with different combinations of sensor data was assessed using root-mean-square error (RMSE), and the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria (AIC and BIC). The mean AGB and carbon stock (CS) estimated from field data were estimated at 56 Mg ha−1 (ranging from 11 to 95 Mg ha−1) and 28 MgC ha−1, respectively. The best model estimated AGB at 63 ± 20.3 Mg ha−1 for NSR, ranging from 0.6 to 200 Mg ha−1 (r2 = 87.5%, AIC = 123, and BIC = 51.93). We obtained an RMSE % of 20.46 of the mean field estimate of 56 Mg ha−1. The estimation of AGB in this study was within the range that was reported in the existing literature for the miombo woodlands. The fusion of vegetation indices derived from Landsat/OLI and Sentinel 2A/MSI, and backscatter from ALOS/PALSAR-2 is a good predictor of AGB.

Strengthening the Role of Forests in Climate Change Mitigation through the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Action Plan

Forests influence climate change by either increasing or decreasing the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. When unsustainably managed, forests can release more greenhouse gases than they can absorb, intensifying their atmospheric concentration with adverse climate and human health outcomes. Several frameworks and institutional arrangements have been adopted globally to help strengthen political commitment and actions to promote the sustainable management of forests and enhance forests’ contribution to climate change mitigation. Nevertheless, the destruction of tropical forests is accelerating at an alarming rate, making it an uphill battle to stop forest sector carbon emissions, limit the global average temperature rise to well below 2°C, and build a sustainable and climate-resilient future for all. The continuous release of forest-related emissions indicates that humanity has fallen short of meeting global forest and climate-related goals and, hence, reiterates the need to develop and apply additional tools to support international cooperation on mitigating forest carbon emissions. Considering deforestation’s challenge for voluntary frameworks such as the UN Forest Instrument and REDD+, opportunities/actions beyond non-legally binding agreements and principles must be harnessed promptly. Trade-related measures, such as the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Action Plan, are relevant in addressing deforestation. Arguably, the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Action Plan provides the most appropriate framework for future regional/global forest law reform.

Microbial traits determine soil C emission in response to fresh carbon inputs in forests across biomes.

Soil priming is a microbial-driven process, which determines key soil-climate feedbacks in response to fresh carbon inputs. Despite its importance, the microbial traits behind this process are largely undetermined. Knowledge of the role of these traits is integral to advance our understanding of how soil microbes regulate carbon (C) emissions in forests, which support the largest soil carbon stocks globally. Using metagenomic sequencing and 13 C-glucose, we provide unprecedented evidence that microbial traits explain a unique portion of the variation in soil priming across forest biomes from tropical to cold temperature regions. We show that microbial functional profiles associated with the degradation of labile C, especially rapid simple sugar metabolism, drive soil priming in different forests. Genes involved in the degradation of lignin and aromatic compounds were negatively associated with priming effects in temperate forests, whereas the highest level of soil priming was associated with β-glucosidase genes in tropical/subtropical forests. Moreover, we reconstructed, for the first time, 42 whole bacterial genomes associated with the soil priming effect and found that these organisms support important gene machinery involved in priming effect. Collectively, our work demonstrates the importance of microbial traits to explain soil priming across forest biomes and suggests that rapid carbon metabolism is responsible for priming effects in forests. This knowledge is important because it advances our understanding on the microbial mechanisms mediating soil-climate feedbacks at a continental scale.

The Implication of REDD+ in Community Forestry (CF) Governance and Local Livelihood: A Case from Nepal

Nepal's decentralized forest governance has now included a new actor, i.e. REDD+ which is a mechanism based on market for mitigation of climate change through conservation of forest. This paper aims to shed lights on the REDD+ effect on community forestry governance, and local livelihood. For this various published articles and reports were reviewed and analyzed. Organizations like ICIMOD, FECOFUN and ANSAB are leading a pilot project in community forestry on measurement of carbon and equalizing benefit. The major objective of the REDD+ program is to reduce forest carbon emissions by providing financial incentives for developing countries. The impacts of the implication of the REDD+ is more questionable preceding its 10th anniversary. Special income generating activities and awareness programs have been implemented by the REDD+ pilot project targeting the poor, women, disadvantaged groups and indigenous people. While some study findings show the REDD+ gave priority to the carbon outcome rather than community forestry's forest management objective which threatens the objective of meeting the local needs of people. Analysis also showed that REDD+ policies have been developed and interventions are made in a way local people’s participation and representation of their voices is limited which may weaken and reverse the trend of forest decentralization. The involvement of the new actors in forest politics can be seen as a proof of positive impact of implementation of REDD+.

Beyond Deforestation: Carbon Emissions From Land Grabbing and Forest Degradation in the Brazilian Amazon

Carbon losses from forest degradation and disturbances are significant and growing sources of emissions in the Brazilian Amazon. Between 2003 and 2019, degradation and disturbance accounted for 44% of forest carbon losses in the region, compared with 56% from deforestation (forest clearing). We found that land tenure played a decisive role in explaining these carbon losses, with Undesignated Public Forests and Other Lands (e.g., private properties) accounting for the majority (82%) of losses during the study period. Illegal deforestation and land grabbing in Undesignated Public Forests widespread and increasingly are important drivers of forest carbon emissions from the region. In contrast, indigenous Territories and Protected Natural Areas had the lowest emissions, demonstrating their effectiveness in preventing deforestation and maintaining carbon stocks. These trends underscore the urgent need to develop reliable systems for monitoring and reporting on carbon losses from forest degradation and disturbance. Together with improved governance, such actions will be crucial for Brazil to reduce pressure on standing forests; strengthen Indigenous land rights; and design effective climate mitigation strategies needed to achieve its national and international climate commitments.

Prospective carbon balance of the wood sector in a tropical forest territory using a temporally-explicit model

Selective logging in tropical forests is often perceived as a source of forest degradation and carbon emissions. Improved practices, such as reduced-impact logging (RIL), and alternative timber production strategies (e.g. plantations) can drastically change the overall carbon impact of the wood production sector. Assessing the carbon balance of timber production is crucial but highly dependent on methodological approaches, especially regarding system boundaries and temporality. We developed a temporally-explicit and territory scale model of carbon balance calibrated with long-term local data using Bayesian inference. The model accounts for carbon fluxes from selective logging in natural forest, timber plantation, first transformation and avoided emissions through energy substitution. We used it to compare prospective scenarios of development for the wood sector in French Guiana. Results show that intensification of practices, through increased logging intensity conducted with RIL and establishment of timber plantations, are promising development strategies to reduce the carbon emissions of the French-Guianese wood sector, as well as the area needed for wood production and hence the pressure on natural forests. By reducing logging damage by nearly 50%, RIL allows increasing logging intensity in natural forest from 20 m3 ha−1 to 30 m3 ha−1 without affecting the carbon balance. The use of logging byproducts as fuelwood also improved the carbon balance of selective logging, when substituted to fossil fuel. Allocating less than 30000 ha to plantation would allow producing 200000 m3 of timber annually, while the same production in natural forest would imply logging more than 400000 ha over 60 years. Timber plantation should be preferentially established on non-forested lands, as converting natural forests to plantation leads to high carbon emission peak over the first three decades.We recommend a mixed-strategy combining selective logging in natural forests and plantations as a way to improve long-term carbon balance while reducing short-term emissions. This strategy can reduce the pressure on natural forests while mitigating the risks of changing practices and allowing a diversified source of timber for a diversity of uses. It requires adaptation of the wood sector and development of technical guidelines. Research and monitoring efforts are also needed to assess the impacts of changing practices on other ecosystem services, especially biodiversity conservation.

Effects of pulse precipitation on soil organic matter mineralization in forests: spatial variation and controlling factors

Abstract Aims Pulse effects of precipitation cause soil organic matter to rapidly decompose and release CO2 in a short period. The pulse effects of precipitation are important for ecosystem C cycling and soil C balance, although their spatial variation in forest soils and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods Soil samples (0–10 cm) from 22 typical forest ecosystems in eastern China were used, to investigate the effects of simulated pulse precipitation on soil microbial respiration rates (Rs). We simulated pulsed precipitation to reach 65% water-holding capacity, the Rs was measured on a minute scale for 48 h. Important Findings Precipitation pulses can cause a rapid 1.70–38.12-fold increase in the rate of mineralized decomposing organic matter. Maximum Rs (Rs-soil-max), cumulative Rs (ARs-soil) and the time taken to arrive at the maximal Rs (TRs-soil-max) were significant differences among different soil samples. Furthermore, the pulse effects in different climate zones were significantly different. Rs-soil-max (11.701 µg C g−1soil h−1) and ARs-soil (300.712 µg C g−1 soil) were the highest in the mid-temperate zone. Soil chemical properties (total C and, N, pH and oxidation–reduction potential) and soil fractions were strongly correlated with the pulse effects in forest soils, but soil microbes contributed less. Our findings demonstrated that the pulse effects increase forest soil carbon emissions in the short term at a regional scale, and identified the factors with the greatest influence on this change. These findings help guide future studies on the C cycles of forest ecosystems and regulating ecosystem C cycles.

Policies for establishing hybrid poplar plantations on private and public lands in western Canada for bioethanol feedstock: a forest-level financial analysis

A forest-level model is developed that estimates how policies towards hybrid poplar plantations on private and public land impact harvest levels and values for producing biofuel feedstock. We simulate three policy changes: (i) permitting an increase in harvest levels on public land as a result of establishing hybrid poplar plantations on private land; (ii) permitting the establishment of hybrid poplar plantations on public land; and (iii) including forest carbon emission offsets in the net benefits realized by the forest operator. We are interested in whether the increase in harvest created by the policies might be enough to supply a biorefinery, and how the value of the operation changes. Our results suggest that jointly managing public and private lands under sustained yield can increase harvest by between 7% and 93%, and increase the value of the operation by between 39% and 263%. Results also suggest that hybrid poplar plantations could enable a leaseholder of one million hectares of public forestland to initiate an allowable cut effect and thereby increase harvest enough to supply a new biorefinery, in addition to its existing pulp mill. Carbon offsets further increase the value of the forest, although harvest begins to decline at high carbon prices.

A Low-Cost and Robust Landsat-Based Approach to Study Forest Degradation and Carbon Emissions from Selective Logging in the Venezuelan Amazon

Selective logging in the tropics is a major driver of forest degradation by altering forest structure and function, including significant losses of aboveground carbon. In this study, we used a 30-year Landsat time series (1985–2015) to analyze forest degradation and carbon emissions due to selective logging in a Forest Reserve of the Venezuelan Amazon. Our work was conducted in two phases: the first, by means of a direct method we detected the infrastructure related to logging at the sub-pixel level, and for the second, we used an indirect approach using buffer areas applied to the results of the selective logging mapping. Pre- and post-logging forest inventory data, combined with the mapping analysis were used to quantify the effects of logging on aboveground carbon emissions for three different sources: hauling, skidding and tree felling. With an overall precision of 0.943, we demonstrate the potential of this method to efficiently map selective logging and forest degradation with commission and omission errors of +7.6 ± 4.5 (Mean ± SD %) and −7.5% ± 9.1 respectively. Forest degradation due to logging directly affected close to 24,480 ha, or about ~1% of the total area of the Imataca Forest Reserve. On average, with a relatively low harvest intensity of 2.8 ± 1.2 trees ha−1 or 10.5 ± 4.6 m3 ha−1, selective logging was responsible for the emission of 61 ± 21.9 Mg C ha−1. Lack of reduced impact logging guidelines contributed to pervasive effects reflected in a mean reduction of ~35% of the aboveground carbon compared to unlogged stands. This research contributes to further improve our understanding of the relationships between selective logging and forest degradation in tropical managed forests and serves as input for the potential implementation of projects for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).

ASSESSMENT OF DIRECT PYROGENIC CARBON EMISSIONS IN RUSSIAN FORESTS FOR 2020 USING REMOTE MONITORING DATA

The paper presents the results of assessing pyrogenic emissions of carbon compounds in Russian forests for 2020 using remote monitoring methods. The area of forests damaged by fires was 6.5 mln ha, whereas the amount of carbon emissions was 36.5 MtC. Although the total area of damage is higher than the average annual values, the amount of pyrogenic carbon emissions is lower than the average annual ones. In absolute terms, the year corresponds to 2016. We registered an increase in annual carbon emissions from fires since the abnormal 2012. A preliminary analysis of the entire observation period for fires suggests that 2021 may be the next abnormal year after the years of 2003 and 2012 in terms of forest fires and direct pyrogenic carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Assessing “Results-Based” Payment Determinants in Forest Carbon Emission Reduction Initiatives: Case of Forest Carbon Projects in Cameroon

The international community has acknowledged the critical role of results-based avoided deforestation and forest degradation, sustainable management of forest, conservation and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) activities in curbing climate change. However, ensuring that REDD+ programs and projects deliver carbon and non-carbon results, remains a challenge. This paper analyses results-based determinants in REDD+ projects in Cameroon. Experiences from these projects are expected to inform the design and implementation of sustainable and effective REDD+ projects. It draws on data collected from feasibility study reports, project design documents, project evaluation reports and the opinions and perspectives of 86 REDD+ stakeholders. Findings indicate that projects employed a combination of incentives, disincentives and enabling measures towards achieving the intended REDD+ results. However, none of the projects proposed conditional incentives (direct payments) to land owners and users, the key innovation brought by REDD+. Despite the fact that these projects are branded REDD+ projects, they offer little or no experiences on the relationship between REDD+ payments and carbon and non-carbon outcomes. Achieving results from REDD+ projects depend on how effective choices are made by stakeholders in relation to the type of instruments/interventions and the location of projects, and the ability to make choices further depends on the technical capacity of stakeholders. Thus, the capacity of stakeholders to be involve in REDD+ project design and implementation should be strengthened, in order for them to better appraise the results-based requirements of REDD+.

Spatial and temporal differences in the response of Larix sibirica to climate change in the central Altai Mountains

Because climate change impacts different ecosystems and geographies in myriad ways, it is important to study how forests in different regions respond to changing climatic conditions. In northwestern China, the transition in recent decades from a warm and dry climate to a warm and wet climate is well documented. However, the response of forests to this transition is poorly understood. To better understand these changes, we collected tree-ring samples of Larix sibirica from 12 plots on the southern slope of the central Altai Mountains and established site-specific tree-ring width residual chronologies. Through hierarchical cluster analysis, we could divide the sites into two levels: high-elevation level (HEL, >1900 m) and low-elevation level (LEL, <1900 m). We then used the first principal component of each level as the regional residual chronology and performed a moving correlation analysis with climate factors (monthly temperature, monthly precipitation, scPDSI) over the period 1957–2016. We found that changes in HEL trees are mainly related to temperature: from 1957–1967, growth was positively correlated with the temperature in July of the previous year. From the 1960s to present, growth was negatively correlated with the temperature in April of current year. Since the 1980s, however, temperature in current year January has been the most important factor limiting growth. The relationship between LEL tree growth and climate has been stable throughout the period of observation, and is significantly and positively correlated with moisture. We predict that the radial growth of HEL trees will be inhibited by continued warming, whereas LEL trees will benefit from improved moisture conditions in the future. Our findings help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of climate change on forest ecosystems, and provide a scientific reference for forest management and carbon sequestration and emission mitigation policies.

Valuation of Carbon Sequestration and Storage Ecosystem Services in a Tropical Moist Forest of Chocó, Colombia

Abstract The payment value for the ecosystem service of carbon sequestration and storage in forests and agroforestry systems with cacao (AFS-cacao) from the sub-basin of river Munguido, Quibdo, Colombia was estimated. The productive activities of highest economic importance (cane, pineapple, plantain, cassava, AFS-cacao, and timber harvesting) were selected, and their financial profit was assessed: net present value (NPV), cost-benefit ratio (B/C), and the internal rate of return (IRR). The payment value for the service was estimated considering the profitability of productive activities and carbon sequestration rate. Minimum and maximum values to pay for reduction of carbon emissions in primary forests, and for carbon sequestration in secondary forests and AFS-cacao are between 4 and 27; 5 and 37; and 9 and 63 U$/Mg CO2e, respectively.

Forest fires and carbon emission release in semi-arid regions of Indonesia: the evidence from medium resolution of satellite imagery

Forest fires are one of the causes of forest degradation and deforestation in Indonesia. Tropical savanna forests are one of the forest ecosystems found in the Indonesian region with a semi-arid climate type prone to drought and fire. Forest fires contribute to the release of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The calculation method to estimate the burnt area is still an obstacle in calculating greenhouse gas emissions due to forest fires. This research aims to assess the burnt area in tropical savanna forest cover type using medium resolution satellite imagery data by utilizing the Normalized Burn Ratio index in four villages in East Sumba Regency and estimating greenhouse gas emissions these activities. The results showed that the NBR method does not produce an estimate of the burned area with a fair degree of accuracy because the characteristic of channel 7 (SWIR) is sensitive to vegetation moisture content. The savanna forest cover type is the type of land cover identified as the most dominant burned area. It produces the highest greenhouse gas emissions compared to other land cover types.

Fire-induced carbon emissions from tropical mixed broad-leaved forests of the Terai–Siwalik region, central Nepal

Forest fires are one of the major environmental issues globally. In Nepal, substantial amounts of forest biomass and carbon are lost due to fire. Nepal’s high value lowland forests are particularly vulnerable to fire. However, there are limited studies on the estimation of biomass loss and carbon emissions due to fire. Thus, this research addresses the information gap in the tropical mixed broad-leaved forests of Nawalparasi District. The forests were divided into three strata: Lower Tropical Sal Mixed Broad-leaved Forest, Hill Sal Forest and Riverine Forest, and from these four community-managed forests were selected for estimating above ground biomass. Ninety-two sample plots were set out for above ground biomass estimation in burnt and non-burnt areas. Forest fire incidences from 2001 to 2017 were acquired from the MODIS fire data. Forest biomass and carbon emissions were estimated using standard allometric equations. The fuel fraction consumed during the fire was estimated through field surveys during the forest fire season. The results show that every year, over 3158 ha of forests are burnt, resulting in some 1108 tons of carbon emissions, equivalent to approximately 4066 t CO2, 2581 t CO and 1474 t CH4. Among the forests, the Hill Sal Forest was more vulnerable to fire. Forest management strategies, therefore, should include construction of fire lines and conservation ponds along with capacity building and raising awareness among local communities and stakeholders.

Making incremental progress: impacts of a REDD+ pilot initiative in Nepal

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) encompasses a range of incentives for developing countries to slow, halt and reverse forest loss and associated forest carbon emissions. Where there is high dependence on biomass energy, cleaner cooking transitions are key to REDD+’s success. Given the poor track record of efforts to promote clean cooking, more evidence is needed on the potential for REDD+ to reduce unsustainable extraction of biomass energy. We present a quasi-experimental impact evaluation of REDD+ in Nepal. Unsurprisingly, we find little evidence of impacts on forest carbon in just two years. We do find that REDD+ reduced forest disturbance as measured by four plot-level indicators (signs of forest fire, soil erosion, encroachment and wildlife) that are predictive of future changes in net carbon emissions and reflective of reduced extraction pressure by households. While our analysis of household survey data does not show that REDD+ reduced harvest of forest products, we find some evidence that it reduced household dependence on firewood for cooking, possibly by increasing use of biogas. Thus, communities in Nepal appear to have improved conditions in their forests without undermining local benefits of those forests. To secure progress towards reduced emissions and improved livelihoods, interventions must be designed to effectively meet household energy needs.

Carbon Sink Calculation and Time Variation in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park—A Case Study of Diaoluo Mountain Forest Area

A suitable system for estimating changes in carbon storage and carbon emissions from tropical forests was constructed to study the carbon sink function of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. This article takes Diaoluo Mountain Forest Area as an example. Inventory calculation of forest resources with the help of the calculation method of the provincial greenhouse gas inventory compilation guide. Carbon sink measurement model is constructed in Diaoluo Mountain Forest Area. Changes in forest carbon storage and carbon emissions in five different periods from 1998 to 2018 were calculated. The results show that the forest carbon storage in Diaoluo Mountain Forest Area was 6.4 T, 1.1T, 1.2 T, 1.5 T and 2.1 Tons in the past five periods. Arbor forest has the largest proportion of carbon storage and is dominant; Carbon emissions in the five periods were 497T, 545 T, 263 T, 21T and 19 Tons. The moral is that,the total amount of forest net carbon has increased continuously, arbor forest is an important dominant position of carbon storage,the main gas absorbed and emitted by forest carbon sinks is carbon dioxide,the trend of increasing carbon storage and reducing carbon emissions is significant.It is suggested to continuously improve the community structure and promote the development of the forest carbon sink industry through the establishment of national parks and scientific management. Social capital participates in protecting national parks. This can increase the number of carbon sinks in public rainforest parks.

CARBON STOCK ESTIMATION USING REMOTE SENSING DATA AND FIELD MEASUREMENT IN HALOXYLON AMMODENDRON DOMINANT WINTER COLD DESERT REGION OF MONGOLIA

Abstract. The UN-REDD Mongolia National Programme has studied about forest carbon emissions, and enhance and sustainably manage its carbon stocks, through the implementation of REDD+ activities since 2011. However, the current assessments seem to remain uncertain, the study for estimating carbon storage based on field survey are still rare. Because the Haloxylon ammodendron, where Gobi desert ecosystems are covering large areas, it is necessary to develop a modelling approach applying remote sensing. The study area is locating in Gobi-Altai province, Trans-Altai area as the south-western part of Mongolia. A total of 32 plots were established on eighth different land cover types to represent the range of variability. The study was used high spatial resolution imagery of Pleiades-1 and both of active and passive data from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2. The growing height in 32 plots is ranging from 20 to 460 cm with between 0.002 and 544.9 cm2 for basal area and between 526.5 and 166106.0 cm2 for canopy area, respectively. Shrub density is very high in plot 4 (n=135) and plot 5 (n=117) with low above-ground biomass 12 kg and 10.9 kg. The backscatter (dB) values of vegetated area and non-vegetated were comparable, −27.86 and −17.36 in VH polarisation and −22.72 and −10.61 in VV polarisation, respectively. Model-M1 was best demonstrated when a combination of vegetation coverage area was used as Pleiades-1 and Sentinel-2 derived vegetation cover data. For model-M9, the results were comparable to model-M1 but with lower the coefficient of determination. In this work, NDVI and MSAVI appear as a good indicator of biomass mainly because it does not saturate in sparse shrubs and is more sensitive to canopy parameters.