Biomass estimation for temperate broadleaf forests of the United
States using inventory data
Schroeder P, Brown S, Mo JM, Birdsey R, Cieszewski C
FOREST SCIENCE
42 (3): 424-434 AUG 1997
Abstract:
A potentially valuable data source for estimating forest biomass is forest
volume inventory data that are widely collected and available throughout the
world. In this paper we present a general methodology for using such data to
reliably estimate aboveground biomass density (AGED) and to develop expansion
factors for converting volume directly to AGED from USDA Forest Service Forest
Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. Growing stock volume inventory data and
stand tables were combined with independently developed biomass regression
equations to estimate AGED and to calculate biomass expansion factors (BEF:
factors that convert volume to mass, accounting for noncommercial components)
for the extensive oak-hickory and maple-beech-birch forest types of the eastern
United States. Estimated aboveground biomass for both forest types ranged
between 28 and 200 Mg ha(-1). Expansion factors decreased from more than 4.0 at
low growing stock volume to nearly 1.0 when growing stock volume was as high as
190 m(3)ha(-1), consistent with theoretical expectations. In stands with low
AGED (< 50 Mg ha(-1)), small diameter trees (< 10 cm diameter) contained
up to 75% of the AGED in trees greater than or equal to 10 cm diameter; this
proportion dropped to < 10% for stands with AGED > 175 Mg ha(-1). The
similarity of our results for two major forest types suggests that they may be
generally applicable for estimating AGBD from inventory data for other
temperate broad leaf forests. Further, the pattern between BEF and stand volume
was similar to that obtained for tropical broadleaf forests, except that
tropical forests generally had larger BEFs than temperate forests at a given
volume. The implications of these results suggest that a recent assessment of
forest biomass in developed countries is too low.
Author Keywords:
forest biomass, expansion factors, forest inventory, global carbon cycle
KeyWords Plus:
CARBON BUDGET, TROPICAL FORESTS
Addresses:
Schroeder P, DYNAMAC CORP,US EPA,NATL HLTH & ENVIRONM EFFECTS RES
LAB,WESTERN ECOL DIV,200 SW 35TH ST,CORVALLIS,OR 97333
US EPA,NATL HLTH & ENVIRONM EFFECTS RES LAB,WESTERN ECOL DIV,CORVALLIS,OR
97333
DINGHUSHAN ARBORETUM,GUANGDONG 526070,PEOPLES R CHINA
US FOREST SERV,NE FOREST EXPT STN,USDA,RADNOR,PA 19087
Cieszewski CJ, Univ Georgia, Sch Forest Resources, Athens, GA 30602 USA
Univ Georgia, Sch Forest Resources, Athens, GA 30602 USA
Publisher:
SOC AMER FORESTERS, BETHESDA
IDS Number:
XQ402
ISSN:
0015-749X