Equation of biomass estimate for individual tree of Nectandra grandiflora Ness

Abstract

This study aimed at testing mathematical models to provide estimates of dry weight of each biomass pool for Nectandra grandiflora as functions of variables of easy measurement. Data came from the Federal University of Paraná Experimental Station at São João do Triunfo, in the middle-southern Paraná State, Brazil. A total of 30 trees were felled to collect biomass data. The procedure consisted of weighting separately each biomass pool (bole, foliage, branches and roots) both with its natural humidity and dried under controlled conditions. From each sampled tree the girth at breast height (cap), crown diameter and total height were taken. Biomass of branches and roots may be reasonably estimated from some of the tested models. However, the estimates of dry biomass of the bole and the whole tree (total) were fairly adequate. It was concluded that bole and total dry biomass of this species can be adequately represented by the models tested, providing good estimates, whereas branches and roots may be estimated reasonably with some of the equations and foliage is poorly represented by the dependent variables analyzed in this research dry weight.