Abstract
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The density-integral approach worked well for estimating whole-tree and dominant stem vertical biomass profiles, and performed better than the constant-density approach for biomass prediction.
Abstract
Integrated whole-tree biomass equations are in great demand due to the simultaneous need to improve estimation of forest carbon stocks and to quantify the distribution of wood biomass within trees for estimating whole-tree utilization potential. Two approaches were used for modeling the vertical cumulative biomass profile of a whole tree from the ground to the top of the tree, including the dominant stem and branches: (1) a density-integral approach and (2) a constant-density approach. The models were developed from destructive sampling of 27 trees from a temperate hardwood forest in Michigan, USA. The species sampled were American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). A mixed-effects modeling framework was used to account for within-tree correlation in the biomass profiles. In general, the density-integral approach worked well for estimating whole-tree and dominant stem biomass profiles, and performed better than the constant-density approach. However, the results indicated that errors in the whole-tree volume estimation often overwhelmed differences in biomass prediction attributable to vertical tree density representation. Mixing species with different forms or density profiles could dilute benefits of the density-integral approach.
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Author contribution statement
NRV was responsible for data collection for this manuscript. Both NRV and DWM were responsible for analysis and preparation of all sections for this manuscript.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Greg Kowalewski and Mickey Trimner at W. K. Kellogg Experimental Forest for their assistance in data collection. The authors would also like to thank two anonymous reviewers for their useful comments that improved the quality of this manuscript. This work was supported by a Sustainability Seed Grant from Michigan State University and with funds from a joint venture agreement between Michigan State University and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, Northern Research Station. Part of D.W. MacFarlane’s time was paid for with funds from Michigan AgBioResearch, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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Communicated by E. Priesack.
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Ver Planck, N.R., MacFarlane, D.W. A vertically integrated whole-tree biomass model. Trees 29, 449–460 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-014-1123-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-014-1123-x