Allometric models for estimating tree volume and aboveground biomass in lowland forests of Tanzania
Loading...
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Forestry Research
Abstract
Models to assist management of lowland forests in Tanzania are in most cases lacking. Using a sample of 60 trees which
were destructively harvested from both dry and wet lowland forests of Dindili in Morogoro Region (30 trees) and Rondo in
Lindi Region (30 trees), respectively, this study developed site specific and general models for estimating total tree volume and
aboveground biomass. Specifically the study developed (i) height-diameter (ht-dbh) models for trees found in the two sites, (ii)
total, merchantable, and branches volume models, and (iii) total and sectional aboveground biomass models of trees found in the
two study sites. The findings show that site specific ht-dbh model appears to be suitable in estimating tree height since the tree
allometry was found to differ significantly between studied forests. The developed general volume models yielded unbiased mean
prediction error and hence can adequately be applied to estimate tree volume in dry and wet lowland forests in Tanzania. General
aboveground biomass model appears to yield biased estimates; hence, it is not suitable when accurate results are required. In this
case, site specific biomass allometric models are recommended. Biomass allometric models which include basic wood density are
highly recommended for improved estimates accuracy when such information is available.
Description
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
International Journal of Forestry Research
Volume 2016, Article ID 8076271, 13 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/8076271
Keywords
Estimating Tree Volume, Allometric Models, Aboveground Biomass, Lowland Forests, Tanzania