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Allometric models for estimation of aboveground carbon stocks in improved fallows in eastern Zambia

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Abstract

This paper presents allometric functions for estimation of C stocks in aboveground tree biomass in 2-year-old improved fallows in eastern Zambia. A total of 222 individual trees representing 12 tree species were destructively harvested for C analysis by LECO CHN-1000 analyzer. Allometric models relating collar diameter (D10) and total tree height (H) to stem and total aboveground C stocks were developed using data from tree fallows. Logarithmically transformed power functions displayed a good ability to stabilize variance of aboveground C stocks and showed a good fit (84 < R 2 < 99) with a bias of 0.7–3.6%. D10 alone and in combination with H explained most of the variability in total aboveground C stocks. Validation of the species-specific and generalized models with field data indicated that they accurately predicted aboveground tree C stocks. Generalized C estimation functions were also validated and described 73–97% of variability in aboveground C stocks with an average unsigned deviation of 1.5–4.9%. The C functions will serve as a vital tool for predicting and monitoring C pool sizes in long-term studies and agroforestry projects, especially where destructive sampling is not possible.

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Acknowledgments

Authors thank staff of the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and staff of the Zambia/ICRAF Agroforestry Project, especially Dr. P. L. Mafongoya, for their professional and logistical support during the field studies. We are equally indebted to Dr. G. Sileshi of SADC-ICRAF Programme in Malawi for reviewing the paper, and the Gates Cambridge Trust at Cambridge University for funding the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. A Rocha International, C/o UNEP-WCMC, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK

    Martin L. Kaonga

  2. Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB4 3EN, UK

    Tim P. Bayliss-Smith

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  1. Martin L. Kaonga
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  2. Tim P. Bayliss-Smith
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Correspondence to Martin L. Kaonga.

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Kaonga, M.L., Bayliss-Smith, T.P. Allometric models for estimation of aboveground carbon stocks in improved fallows in eastern Zambia. Agroforest Syst 78, 217–232 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-009-9253-7

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