Development of allometric equation for biomass estimation of Cedrus deodara in dry temperate forests of Northern Pakistan
Paper Details
Development of allometric equation for biomass estimation of Cedrus deodara in dry temperate forests of Northern Pakistan
Abstract
The accuracy of biomass estimates depends on the availability of reliable allometric models to infer biomass of trees from forest inventory data. The current study was undertaken to develop local allomteric equation and biomass expansion factor for Cedrus deodara. Data was collected from 32 sample trees which were felled and measured for the study in natural dry temperate forests of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and total height of the sample tree were measured before felling. After felling, bole, branches and brushwood were separated and weighed on the spot. Samples were taken from bole, branches and brushwood for drying in the oven at 1050 C till they gained constant weight. The allometric equation was developed through logarithmic transformation of dependent and independent variables. Results showed good relationship between biomass as dependent variable and DBH and height as independent variables. The R2 was found to be 0.98. The F and P values show that the model is significant. Standard Error and sum of square (SS) of the residuals also indicate good fit of the model. The BEF for Cedrus deodara varied between 1.17 and 2.07 with a mean of 1.37±0.039 for trees with DBH>20 cm. The percentage contribution of bole, branches and brushwood in the total dry biomass of Cedrus deodara was found to be 72.95%, 10.43% and 16.62% respectively. Basic wood density or specific gravity was calculated as 0.46 g/cm3. The study recommends development of similar allometric equation for biomass estimation of the species in moist temperate forests of Pakistan where climatic conditions are different from the study area.
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Anwar Ali, Muhammad Iftikhar, Sajjad Ahmad, Sultan Muhammad, Ayaz Khan (2016), Development of allometric equation for biomass estimation of Cedrus deodara in dry temperate forests of Northern Pakistan; JBES, V9, N2, August, P43-50
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