Methods for biomass stock estimation in Mediterranean maquis systems

作者：Sirca Costantino^*; Caddeo Antonio; Spano Donatella; Bacciu Valentina; Marras Serena

来源：Iforest-Biogeosciences and Forestry, 2017, 10(1): 108-114.

DOI：10.3832/ifor1769-009

• Shrubland
• Allometric Equations
• Above Ground Biomass
• Apparent Volume

As a result of Kyoto Protocol agreements, the scientific community increased its efforts to enhance the availability of biomass and organic carbon stock data in forest ecosystems. Nevertheless, a considerable data shortage has been recognized in estimating the stock of above-ground biomass (AGB) in Mediterranean maquis systems. This work aims at contributing in addressing such shortage by testing quick and non-disruptive methods to estimate the AGB stock in maquis species. Two methodologies were tested in three widespread sclero-phyllous evergreen species (Pistacia lentiscus, Euphorbia dendroides, and Cystus monspeliensis). Both methodologies were based on the estimation of the apparent volume (AV): the first one assumed the shrub shape (or canopy) to be similar to a regular tridimensional solid, while the second method was based on plant digital images analysis. Results showed some differences in AV values estimated through the two methodologies, although a high correlation was found between them (R-2 = 0.92-0.98) and with the AGB weight obtained from plant samples (R-2 = 0.89-0.96). As a consequence, the shrubs apparent density values (i.e., weight/AV) vary depending on the method used for AV estimation. This should be taken into account when AV is used for AGB estimation. Besides, measurements of above-ground biomass were carried out to characterize the studied area. Results showed high variability in AGB values, ranging from 7.04 to 48.05 Mg ha(-1) of dry matter.

• 出版日期2017-2