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Ilustraciones, tablas, gráficas Los manglares representan grandes reservas de carbono, especialmente en el suelo, sin embargo, a escalas locales se necesita mejorar la precisión de sus estimaciones con muestreos en campo, permitiendo un manejo adecuado del ecosistema. Así, el objetivo fue evaluar el carbono total almacenado en el ecosistema de manglar del Pacífico nariñense. Se utilizó información de inventarios forestales en 10 sitios para determinar el carbono almacenado en la biomasa aérea (AGB) y subterránea (BWG) mediante ecuaciones alométricas y factores de conversión de biomasa a carbono. Para el carbono almacenado en el suelo (COS) se construyó un modelo Random Forest (RF) con 28 perfiles tomados a dos metros de profundidad y 18 variables predictoras. Se halló un buen ajuste del modelo RF (R2 de 0.82). El carbono total almacenado presentó una media de 359.05 ± 71.29 t ha-1 , donde la mayor contribución la tuvo el suelo (75.51%), seguida de la biomasa aérea (17.24%) y la biomasa subterránea (7.25%). Las estimaciones de COS fueron menores a las globales, sugiriendo una posible sobreestimación, debido a que los modelos globales no consideran datos ‘in situ’. Finalmente, las tres cuartas partes del carbono total almacenado en el manglar estudiado se encontraron en el suelo, coincidiendo con otros bosques de manglar y resaltando la importancia de su conservación. (Texto tomado de la fuente) Mangroves represent large reserves of carbon, especially in the soil. However, it is necessary to improve the precision of their estimates with field sampling at local scales, allowing adequate management of the ecosystem. The aim was to evaluate the total carbon stored in the mangrove ecosystem of the Nariño. Allometric equations and biomass-tocarbon conversion factors used information from forest inventories at 10 sites to determine carbon stored in aboveground (AGB) and belowground (BWG) biomass(R2 of 0.82) was found. For soil carbon stored (SOC), a Random Forest (RF) model was built with 28 profiles to 2 m depth and 18 predictor variables. A good fit of the RF model was found (R2 of 0.82). The total carbon stored presented a mean of 359.05 ± 71.29 t ha-1 , where the greatest contribution was from the soil (75.51%), followed by aboveground (17.24%) and belowground biomass (7.25%). The SOC estimates were lower than the global models, suggesting a possible overestimation because the global models do not consider 'in situ data. Finally, three-quarters of the total carbon stored in the mangrove studied was found in the soil, coinciding with other mangrove forests, and highlighting the importance of its conservation. Maestría Magister en Ingeniería Ambiental Se utilizó información de inventarios forestales en 10 sitios para determinar el carbono almacenado en la biomasa aérea (AGB) y subterránea (BWG) mediante ecuaciones alométricas y factores de conversión de biomasa a carbono. Para el carbono almacenado en el suelo (COS) se construyó un modelo Random Forest (RF) con 28 perfiles tomados a dos metros de profundidad y 18 variables predictoras. Ingeniería.Sede Palmira

The general goal of this paper is to develop a methodology for the pricing of carbon offsets under stochastic conditions through afforestation projects. Consequently, it is required to design an algorithm for modeling the growth and carbon absorption capacity of a tree, considering variables such as diameter at breast height, total height, and tree age. In addition, the cash input and output variables for an afforestation project to calculate the free cash flow were defined. Furthermore, a case study applying the proposed methodology is developed in Antioquia Colombia, the results evidence a fair selling price per carbon offset of $25 USD in a 5000 hectares project and of $46 USD in a 10-hectare project. Lastly, attempting to have an accessible methodology, an evaluation tool is introduced. Magíster en Ingeniería Industrial Maestría Investigación de operaciones e ingeniería financiera

High Andean wetlands are important ecosystems due to their ecosystem services. Carbon storage is a result of the low decomposition rate due to flooded soils and low temperatures. Consequently, this study estimated the carbon content stored in the high Andean wetland of Chalhuanca and calculated the economic value of this service. For this purpose, 30 samples were taken at random, establishing three carbon pools: aboveground biomass (leaves and stems), belowground biomass (roots), and organic soil. The samples were obtained with an auger-type device; each sample was dried at 65°C for at least 24 hours and the carbon content was determined using the Walkey-Black method and calculations and statistical tests were performed. The total carbon stored in relation to the area of the wetland was approximately 795,415.65 tons of CO2. The fraction of carbon per sample is higher in aerial biomass (49%), followed by organic soil (43.1%) and below ground biomass. On the other hand, the amount of carbon stored differs significantly between reservoirs, since organic soil stores the highest amount with 218.3 TC/ha (90%), followed by below-ground biomass (roots) with 19.7 TC/ha (8%), and above-ground biomass (leaves and stems) with 4.8 TC/ha (2%). Finally, the ecosystem service of carbon storage amounts to a cost of 6462.18 USD/ha, 5703132.34 USD in sum.

Aim: To estimate the Carbon sequestration potential of trees in Urban green spaces of Pune city. Study Design: The methods suggested by Ravindranath and Ostwald were used for measuring the above and belowground biomass and estimation of carbon pool. Random sampling technique was used to collect soil samples. As the study area were one acre and above, each and every tree was sampled for various parameters. The GPS instrument was used for measuring latitude and longitude of each and every tree. Place and Duration of Study: The gardens developed by Pune Municipal Corporation (total 66 having an area one acre and above) Pune, Three years( from January 2015 to December 2015, January 2016 to December 2016, January 2017 to December 2017) Methodology: The gardens having an area one acre and above were selected for the work. Each and every tree is sampled along with its position on ground by using GPS instrument. Sampling of tree includes measuring Height and Girth at breast height (GBH). Later, the parameters like Volume, Mass, Wood density, Above and Below ground biomass, Total biomass and Total carbon were calculated as per the standard methods given by Ravindranath and Ostwald [1] Soil samples were collected randomly from a depth of 30 cm as it is a zone of highest microbial activity. Walkley‐Black Wet Oxidation method was used to find out soil organic carbon. Results: Total amount of above and belowground carbon sequestered was estimated to be 7,00,507.83 tonnes; litter and deadwood 24,904.05, and soil organic carbon 1879.905; and the sum of all were 7,27,291.785 tonnes. The exotic species sequester 2,69,287.4 tonnes and native sequester 80,966.55 tonnes of carbon. The rates of carbon in active markets are US$ 30 (Thirty dollars) per tonne. Conclusion: Putting a conservative value of US$ 30 per tonne of CO2 locked in these sampled gardens, this carbon sink of about 7,27,291.785 tonnes of CO2 is worth of US $ 21818753.55 or Indian Rs. 1606733011.422/-It will help in Climate mitigation and reducing the carbon footprints of Pune city.

The present study was conducted in dry temperate forest of Dir Kohistan (Barikot) District Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study was aimed to determine change in forest biomass with altitudinal variation in dry temperate forest. The total study area was taken 2000 ha, a total of thirty (30) circular plots of (0.1 ha) were taken by stratified random sampling method. The elevation range was (1700–2050 m), (2050–2350 m), (2350–2500 m), (2500–2650 m), (2650–2850 m) and (2850–3150 m) of FT1 (forest type 1), FT2, FT3, FT4, FT5 and FT6, respectively. The estimated stand tree density (SD) was 3.05 ha−1, 5.01 ha−1, 4.04 ha−1, 3.30 ha−1, 2.91 ha−1 and 2.53 in FT1 (Forest type 1), FT2, FT3, FT4, FT5 and FT6, respectively. The above ground biomass (AGB) was 72.28 Mgha−1, 86.16 Mgha−1, 58.45 Mgha−1, 59.43 Mgha−1, 74.84 Mgha−1 and 50.28 Mgha−1 at different aspects along different elevation zones. The below ground biomass estimated was 11.52 Mgha−1, 13.78 Mgha−1, 9.82 Mgha−1, 9.44 Mgha−1, 11.84 Mgha−1 and 8 Mgha−1 at stand densities of 3.05 ha−1, 5.01 ha−1, 4.04 ha−1, 3.30 ha−1, 2.91 ha−1 and 2.53 ha−1, respectively. The mean biomass density was 58.2851 Mg ha–1 at elevation (1700–2050 m) to 99.94757 Mg ha–1 at (2650–2850 m) higher elevation. While in the current study, values of above ground biomass density (AGBD) estimated between 50.285 Mg ha–1 on elevation (1750–2050 m) and 86.1617 Mg ha–1 (2650–2850 m), whereas the BGBD varies between 8.0 and 13.785 Mg ha–1. It was concluded that in Oak Scrub forest, the AGB and stem density were higher, pure Deodar forest as compare to other types of forest. Higher elevation stems bear greater biomass, exceeding 99.94 Mg ha−1 at the two highest sites (2850–3150 m). Total ground biomass density (Mgha−1) was measured in all forest stand relating wood density and stem volume (m3. ha−1). The highest biomass was 99.94 Mg ha−1 in Deoadar Kail forest, while the lowest biomass was measured 58.2851 Mgha−1 in mixed broadleaved. There was a significant variation in TBD due to altitudinal variation in the study area. The present study will provide help in the estimation of biomass inventory in future for the scientific management of the forest.

Plants allocate biomass to different organs in response to resource variation for maximizing performance, yet we lack a framework that adequately integrates plant responses to the simultaneous variation in above‐ and below‐ground resources. Although traditionally, the optimal partition theory (OPT) has explained patterns of biomass allocation in response to a single limiting resource, it is well‐known that in natural communities multiple resources limit growth. We study trade‐offs involved in plant biomass allocation patterns and their effects on plant growth under variable below‐ and above‐ground resources—light, soil N and P—for seedling communities. We collected information on leaf, stem and root mass fractions for more than 1,900 seedlings of 97 species paired with growth data and local‐scale variation in abiotic resources from a tropical forest in China. We identified two trade‐off axes that define the mass allocation strategies for seedlings—allocation to photosynthetic versus non‐photosynthetic tissues and allocation to roots over stems—that responded to the variation in soil P and N and light. Yet, the allocation patterns did not always follow predictions of OPT in which plants should allocate biomass to the organ that acquires the most limiting resource. Limited soil N resulted in high allocation to leaves at the expense of non‐photosynthetic tissues, while the opposite trend was found in response to limited soil P. Also, co‐limitation in above‐ and below‐ground resources (light and soil P) led to mass allocation to stems at the expense of roots. Finally, we found that growth increased under high‐light availability and soil P for seedlings that invested more in photosynthetic over non‐photosynthetic tissues or/and that allocated mass to roots at the expense of stem. Synthesis. Biomass allocation patterns to above‐ and below‐ground tissues are described by two independent trade‐offs that allow plants to have divergent allocation strategies (e.g. high root allocation at the expense of stem or high leaf allocation at the expense of allocation to non‐photosynthetic tissues) and enhance growth under different limiting resources. Identifying the trade‐offs driving biomass allocation is important to disentangle plant responses to the simultaneous variation in resources in diverse forest communities.

Conocer la estructura y el funcionamiento de la fracción subterránea de la vegetación es fundamental para comprender numerosos procesos que ocurren en distintos niveles de organización. Sin embargo, dicha fracción fue menos estudiada que su contraparte aérea, principalmente por el gran esfuerzo que demanda muestrearla a campo y procesarla en el laboratorio. En la XXVIII Reunión Argentina de Ecología (Mar del Plata, 2018) se realizaron dos simposios sobre la importancia de conocer las raíces en estudios ecológicos. De los simposios surgió la necesidad de 1) cuantificar los estudios que hayan evaluado las fracciones subterránea y aérea de la vegetación, y 2) determinar las metodologías empleadas y las variables de la fracción subterránea registradas en sistemas naturales (i.e., pastizales, estepas, bosques, arbustales y desierto) y antropizados (i.e., pasturas y cultivos) en seis provincias fitogeográficas de la Argentina y en dos regiones geomorfológicas de Uruguay. Se registraron 933 estudios publicados entre 1990 y 2019. El 57% y el 23% correspondieron a estudios exclusivos de la fracción aérea y de la subterránea, respectivamente, con un incremento exponencial en el tiempo de ambas fracciones. En la actualidad existe una tendencia a incorporar el compartimiento subterráneo en estudios ecológicos. Mediante un análisis sistemático se encontró que se emplearon seis métodos de muestreo (barreno, ruleros, planta entera, monolitos, rhizotron y estimación de la biomasa subterránea a partir de la biomasa aérea) para evaluar cuatro variables (biomasa subterránea, productividad primaria neta subterránea, algunos atributos radicales y tasa de descomposición radical). El método más empleado fue el del barreno y la variable más evaluada fue la biomasa subterránea. Proponemos fomentar la colaboración entre equipos de investigación y establecer comparaciones metodológicas para comprender los alcances de los resultados y obtener estimaciones más confiables sobre las consecuencias del cambio en el uso del suelo. To know the structure and functioning of the belowground vegetation compartment is essential to understand numerous processes that occur at different organization levels. However, the belowground vegetation compartment has traditionally been less studied than the above layer due to the great effort required for field sampling and laboratory processing. In the XXVIII Reunión Argentina de Ecología, Mar del Plata 2018, two symposia about the importance of root knowledge in ecological studies were conducted. From this exchange arose the need to 1) quantify studies that include data of belowground and aboveground vegetation, and 2) determine the methodologies and the variables of the belowground compartment recorded in natural (grasslands, steppes, forests, shrubs, and desert) and human modified systems (pastures, crops) in six Argentinean phytogeographic provinces and in two Uruguayan geomorphological regions. There were 933 published studies from 1990 to 2019. The 57% and 23% corresponded to exclusive studies of the above and belowground compartments respectively, with an exponential increase in the time of both fractions. Currently, there is a tendency to incorporate the underground compartment in ecological studies. Through systematic analysis, it was found that six sampling methods were used (soil core, ingrowth cores, trench, monoliths, rhizotron and belowground biomass estimation from aboveground biomass) where four variables of the belowground vegetation compartment were recorded (belowground biomass, belowground net primary productivity, root traits, and roots decomposition rate). Obtaining soil volumes by soil core was the most used method, while belowground biomass was the most evaluated variable. We propose to encourage collaboration between research teams and establish methodological comparisons to understand the scope of the results and obtain better estimates about the consequences of land-use change. EEA Santa Cruz Fil: López Mársico, Luis. Universidad de la República. Facultad de Ciencias. Instituto de Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales; Uruguay Fil: Pestoni, Sofía. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Conti, Georgina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Pérez-Harguindeguy, Natalia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas. Laboratorio de Recursos Agroforestales; Argentina Fil: Pinto, Priscila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; Argentina Fil: Sarquis, Agustín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; Argentina Fil: Reyes, María Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Facultad de Ambiente y Salud. Laboratorio de Rehabilitación y Restauración de Ecosistemas Áridos y Semiáridos (LARREA); Argentina Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Santa Cruz; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Piñeiro, Gervasio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; Argentina. Universidad de la República. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Sistemas Ambientales; Uruguay

Seagrass has long been known to be very sensitive to environmental changes, especially caused by human activities (anthropogenic disturbance) and has been used as a bioindicator for environmental condition. This research aimed to study interaction of Thalassia hemprichii measured and derived variables (metrics), at two locations i.e., inhabited island (high anthropogenic location) and uninhabited island (low anthropogenic location). Confirmative approach was conducted using a developed conceptual model based on preliminary studies, the conceptual model was analyzed in multivariate context using data from field observation. The result showed that Thalassia hemprichii dominated and have higher above ground biomass value in inhabited area which indicated high nutrient input, meanwhile uninhabited area showed a higher below ground biomass value. Above ground of Thalassia hemprichii that have direct effect on its biomass and below ground metrics was leaf width, meanwhile leaf length of Thalassia hemprichii have indirect effect on its biomass and below ground metrics. The result also indicated some different metric covariations which were influenced by the degree of Thalassia hemprichii density. Leaf length, leaf width, density, and percent cover of Thalassia hemprichii potentially could be used as components in multimetric index and bioindicator for environmental quality. Keywords: anthropogenic disturbance, path analysis, structural equation modeling, Thalassia hemprichii

The substrate is an important input for the production of ornamental plants in a pot. It requires certain properties, among them physical, which should allow an appropriate balance of air and water. These properties have a close relation with plant development and root distribution inside the container. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of substrates with different physical properties on the development of petunia (Petunia grandiflora) and marigold (Tagetes erecta) seedlings. For this purpose, four treatments were evaluated, which consisted of substrates formulated with pine bark compost (CC) and Sphagnum peat (T): 1) 100% CC, 2) 70% CC + 30% T, 3) 50% CC + 50% T and 4) 100% T. Per treatment, pH, electrical conductivity (CE), water retention capacity (CRA), aeration porosity (PA), total porous space (EPT), bulk density and granulometry were measured. In each obtained seedling, the aerial dry mass (MSA), root dry mass (MSR) and percentage of MSR of the central and peripheral upper and lower central, and peripheral section of the interior of the pot (root ball) were measured. The evaluated substrates showed an adequate pH, low CE and an optimal EPT, only substrates 3 and 4 were found within the recommended ranges of PA and CRA. The MSA of petunia seedlings was higher in substrates 3, 2 and 1, without differences in the MSR. Marigold seedlings showed higher MSA in substrate 3, and MSR was higher for substrates 3 and 4. In both species there was a higher percentage of MSR in the upper section and in almost all substrates there was a higher percentage of MSR in the periphery of the lower section of the root ball. In synthesis, both species in the evaluated culture system had greater aerial development in substrate 3, with PA / CRA ratio: 0.57. The methodology used allowed to evaluate the radical distribution confirming that the cultivation of both species in pot does not modify root type. El sustrato es un insumo importante en la producción de plantas ornamentales en maceta, éste requiere de determinadas pro- piedades, entre ellas físicas, las cuales deben permitir un equilibrio apropiado de aire y agua. Estas propiedades poseen una estrecha relación con el desarrollo de la planta y la distribución de sus raíces dentro del recipiente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de sustratos con distintas propiedades físicas en el desarrollo de los plantines de petunia (Petunia grandiflora) y copete (Tagetes erecta). Para este fin se evaluaron cuatro tratamientos, los cuales fueron sustratos formulados con compost de corteza de pino (CC) y turba de Sphagnum (T): 1) 100% CC, 2) 70% CC + 30% T, 3) 50% CC + 50% T y 4) 100% T. A cada uno se analizó: pH, conductividad eléctrica (CE), capacidad de retención de agua (CRA), porosidad de aireación (PA), espacio poroso total (EPT), densidad aparente y granulometría. A cada plantín obtenido se midió la masa seca aérea (MSA), radical (MSR) y porcentaje de MSR de la sección superior central y periférica e inferior central y periférica del interior de la maceta (cepellón). Los sustratos evaluados tuvieron un pH adecuado, CE baja y un EPT óptimo, solo los sustratos 3 y 4 se encontraron dentro de los rangos recomendables de PA y CRA. La MSA de los plantines de petunia fue mayor en los sustratos 3, 2 y 1, sin diferencias en la MSR. Los plantines de copete tuvieron mayor MSA en el sustrato 3, y la MSR fue mayor para los sustratos 3 y 4. En ambas especies hubo mayor porcentaje de MSR en la sección superior y en casi todos los sustratos hubo mayor porcentaje de MSR en la periféria de la sección inferior del cepellón. En síntesis, ambas especies en el sistema de cultivo evaluado tuvieron mayor desarrollo aéreo en el sustrato 3, con relación PA/CRA: 0,57. La metodología empleada permitió evaluar la distribución radical confirmando que el cultivo de ambas especies en maceta no modifica el tipo de raíz. EEA Cerro Azul Fil: Barbaro, Lorena Alejandra. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Cerro Azul; Argentina Fil: Karlanian, Mónica. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Floricultura; Argentina

This research estimates carbon sink and allocation in above- and below-ground biomass of a 12-year-old willow coppice plantation on fluvisol soil near the Vistula River (southern Poland). The plantation showed high C sink potential and sequestration rates. C sequestration by above-ground biomass was estimated at 10.8 Mg C ha−1 a−1. Accumulation in coarse roots was estimated at 1.5 Mg C ha−1 a−1 and in fine roots at 1.2 Mg C ha−1 a−1. Total C sequestered (above-ground biomass, coarse roots and fine roots) was estimated at 13.5 Mg C ha−1 a−1. These results confirm the potential of fast-growing plantations of willow to mitigate, over a short time span, the effects of high CO2 concentrations.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:46:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Fire is a fundamental ecological factor in savannas because it affects vegetation dynamics and ecosystem functioning. However, the effects of fire on below-ground compartments, including biomass and root traits, and their regeneration remain poorly understood. In this study, we assess the variation of above- and below-ground plant components along fire-history gradients in Brazilian open savannas and investigate whether changes in vegetation and soil properties are associated with the responses of below-ground biomass and root traits. The study was conducted in eight sampling areas of open savanna (campo sujo, i.e. vegetation having low woody cover) within the Cerrado (Brazilian savannas), located along a gradient of time since the last fire (1–34 years); the number of fires that occurred within the past 34 years (0–9 fires) varied by sampling area. In each sampling area, we measured above- and below-ground biomass, root depth distribution, root functional parameters and nutrient levels in the upper soil layers (0–10 cm). Rapid recovery of above-ground live biomass after a fire was primarily due to resprouting of graminoids. This recovery was associated with an increase in absorptive root biomass in the upper soil layer in the most recently burnt sites, whereas root biomass was unaffected in deeper layers. Root parameters remained constant regardless of fire history but responded to variations in vegetation structure and soil properties. Specific root length (SRL) decreased with K, Mg2+, Al3+, N and C and increased with P concentration. In contrast, root tissue density (RTD) and absorptive root proportion were negatively correlated with soil P. RTD was strongly associated with the above-ground biomass of graminoids. Soil texture impacted the root system: the proportion of absorptive roots increased with fine sand content in the soil, inversely to transport root biomass. The relationship between fire and soil properties was insignificant. Synthesis. In savannas, fire stimulates absorptive root biomass in response to the higher demand for below-ground resources. This response is correlated with shoot regrowth after a fire. Variations in morphological root parameters are not directly associated with fire history; instead, they reflect differences in soil chemistry, especially soil P and graminoid biomass changes. Chair of Restoration Ecology Department of Life Science Systems Technical University of Munich Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) CEFE University of Montpellier CNRS EPHE IRD Laboratório de Ecologia e Hidrologia Instituto Florestal do Estado de São Paulo BorbyControl Spezialberatung Nützlingseinsatz Laboratory of Vegetation Ecology Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

Aims: The aim of this study is to estimate the total carbon sequested by some Woody plant Species in Makurdi zoological garden and its contribution to climate change. Study Design: Random sample plots of 100 m × 100 m were located in the field using a Garmin GPS and simple allometric procedures using standard carbon inventory principles and techniques that are based on data collection and analysis of carbon accumulating in the above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, and soil carbon using verifiable modern methods were adopted. Place and Duration of Study: Field experiment was carried out at the Makurdi zoological garden, Benue State, Nigeria between September and October 2018. Methodology: The non-destructive method was used with the view to determine the above ground biomass (AGB), below ground biomass (BGB), Estimate the above ground carbon (AGC), below ground carbon (BGC), Total Carbon Content (TCC) and also to estimate the Above ground C02 and below ground C02 and the total C02 Sequestered in the study area. Results: A total number of 27 species of trees belonging to 16 different families were found in randomly selected sample plots. The diameter at breast height (DBH) was measured at 1.3 m from ground level with a good measuring tape while heights of plants were measured using haga altimeter. The result showed that a total of 3331.05 ton/ha of C02 was estimated to have been sequestered using the non-destructive field measurement. Conclusion: Total average standing biomass of various tree species was calculated to be 907.6395 tons/ha whereas the total average carbon sequestered was 302.6918 tons/ha. Carbon sequestration capacity of trees increased as the age of trees increases. Therefore it can be concluded that the older trees have higher carbon content than younger trees hence, they are reservoirs of carbon.

Carbon sequestration is associated with plant biomass and soils. The amount of carbon sequestration in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) is affected by varied anthropogenic activities like logging, mining and farming. This study estimate the above and below ground carbon stock and assess human-induced stress impacts on the Highly Stressed Vegetation (HSV), Moderately Stressed Vegetation (MSV), and Non-Stressed Vegetation (NSV) in the ARFR. The above ground biomass of trees was determined using the allometric model of (Henry, et al., 2010) whereas plants root biomass was calculated using Cairns et al. (1997). Soil organic carbon was determined using the Walkley–Black method. We observed that carbon stock was higher in the above-ground than the below-ground component. The MSV, recorded the highest stock of carbon followed by the NSV and the HSV whilst sequestrated carbon stocks was generally high and varied across the three stress levels. Within the forest, the intensity of anthropogenic activities has negatively impacted the amounts of carbon sequestrated at various levels.

Accurate estimates of tree biomass are necessary in order to realize climate change mitigation strategies such as large-scale carbon accounts of sources and sinks through time and biomass stocks for bioenergy. Biomass is also an important surrogate to evaluate the status of biodiversity, freshwater, and soil resources. Improving the estimation of biomass for each of these purposes begins with improving the estimate at the level of the individual tree and ends with that estimate scaled-up to the appropriate scale. This thesis sought to address specific knowledge gaps related to biomass estimation in Norway by improving individual tree biomass estimation through four peer-reviewed papers. In Paper I, single-tree allometric birch biomass functions were derived for total aboveground and component biomass. In Paper II, single-tree allometric birch biomass functions were derived for belowground and whole tree biomass. In Paper III, the uncertainty due to the vertical variation in dry weight to fresh weight ratio on the national birch stem biomass stock estimate was estimated for the first time. In Paper IV, extracted root system volume and 3D structure was estimated with a terrestrial laser scanner and quantitative structure modeling cylinder fitting. The derived allometric functions from Papers I and II are the best available for estimating birch biomass stock and stock change in Norway. The uncertainty due to the vertical variation in dry weight to fresh weight ratio from Paper III had a minimal effect on the national stem biomass estimate, but should be considered in future national biomass uncertainty estimates. Scanned root systems reconstructed with quantitative structure models provided accurate root volume estimates and 3D root system structure. The four papers have effectively improved biomass estimation in Norway and could be used to improve biomass estimation elsewhere. Nøyaktige beregninger av biomassen til enkelttrær er nødvendig for å realisere strategier som reduserer klimaendringer, for eksempel nasjonale karbonbudsjetter og skogbiomasse tilgjengelig for bioenergi. Biomasse er også en viktig variabel for å vurdere status for biologisk mangfold, ferskvanns-, og jordressurser. Forbedret biomasseestimering for hvert av disse formål begynner med å forbedre estimatet på enkelttrenivå og ender med at anslaget blir skalert opp til passende nivå. Denne avhandling behandler spesifikke kunnskapshull knyttet til biomasseestimering i Norge gjennom fire vitenskapelige artikler. I artikkel I ble allometriske biomassefunksjoner for enkelttrær av bjørk utledet for total overjordisk biomasse samt for ulike overjordiske biomassekomponenter. I artikkel II ble biomassefunksjoner for bjørk utledet for treets underjordiske dele og totalbiomassen. I artikkel III ble usikkerheten i nasjonale biomasseestimater for bjørk som skyldes den vertikale variasjonen av forholdet mellom tørrvekt og ferskvekt i stammen estimert. I artikkel IV ble volum og den tredimensjonale struktur av hele rotsystemet estimert ved hjelp av data fra en bakkelaserskanner gjennom kvantitativ strukturmodellering og sylindertilpasning. De utviklede funksjoner fra artiklene I og II er de beste tilgjengelige for beregning av stående biomasse og biomasseendringer for bjørk i Norge. Usikkerheten i biomasseestimater som skyldes vertikal variasjon i forholdet mellom tørrvekt og ferskvekt i bjørkestammer (artikkel III) hadde minimal effekt på nasjonale estimater for stammebiomasse, men bør vurderes i fremtidige anslag for usikkerheten i nasjonale biomasseestimater. Rotsystemer rekonstruert med kvantitative strukturmodeller fra laserskannerdata ga nøyaktige anslag over rotsystemets volum og tredimensjonale struktur. De fire artiklene har forbedret grunnlaget for biomasseestimering i Norge, og kan brukes til å forbedre biomasseestimering andre steder. NIBIO

Populus deltoides A— nigra trees were grown from 3m-long poles on slopes in three different soil types, pumice, sandy loam and clay loam, to test the hypotheses 1) root development differs with soil type, 2) within each soil type, root production decreases as soil bulk density increases.

The below ground biomass of salt marsh species accounts for more than half of the total plant biomass in salt marsh systems, yet no biomass data exist for salt marsh species in South Africa. The aims of the current study were to compare the biomass allocation of Salicornia tegetaria in six estuaries and relate findings to their environmental conditions. The current study measured the physico-chemical variables of the sediment (moisture content, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, pH) and pore water (temperature, salinity, pH, depth) at Olifants, Berg, Langebaan, Heuningnes, Nahoon and Kwelerha estuaries. Above and below ground biomass and stem height measurements were also collected. The below ground biomass (1.51 ± 0.24 kg m−2) and root/shoot ratio (1.36 ± 0.17) was the lowest at Heuningnes Estuary with no significant difference at the remaining estuaries, suggesting that factors, such as geomorphology and sedimentological processes, could have a stronger effect on the biomass allocation in this species. Important drivers of biomass allocation were sediment pH, redox potential and pore water depth. The current study provides baseline information for S. tegetaria, an endemic salt marsh species, for which there is a paucity of data. This species plays a major role in the ecology of the lower intertidal zone, which will be vulnerable to sea-level rise.

Stocking rate adjustment in grazing management is recommended as a management tool to sustain productivity and improve soil health of permanent grassland ecosystems. The aim of this project was to assess the effect of stocking rates under continuous grazing or simple levels of rotational grazing systems on the local environment, when using a moderate or high grazing intensity in the Argentine Patagonia. The parameters investigated were: 1) soil water infiltration and water retention capacity, 2) soil organic matter, N, erosion, and respiration and 3) Plant composition profiles, aboveground net primary production (ANPP), biomass above- and below- ground, physical plant characteristics, and species diversity. In the humid Magellanic grass steppe static rotational grazing was found to increase soil water infiltration rates, N, proportions of forbs and shrubs, root/aerial plant ratio, number of plant species, and proportion of dead plant. Continuous grazing had a greater ANPP, proportion of bare soil, and grasses and graminoids. Under silvopastoral Andean vegetation conditions, rotational grazing resulted in increased root biomass, root/aerial plant ratio, and proportion of forbs compared to continuous grazing, which was found to increase soil organic matter, N, plant length, root depth, aerial plant biomass, soil respiration, proportion of bare soil and dead plants compared to rotational grazing. Intensive grazing negatively influenced soil water, soil and vegetation parameters. The results indicated that adjustment of stocking rate or rotational grazing has a potential to store more biomass than continuous grazing. EEA Santa Cruz Fil: Bjerring, Anna Trier. University of Copenhagen. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences; Dinamarca Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Santa Cruz; Argentina. Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina. Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Fil: Christiansen, Rodolfo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Santa Cruz; Argentina. Fil: Christiansen, Rodolfo. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina. Fil: Vargas-Bello-Pérez, Einar. University of Copenhagen. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences; Dinamarca Fil: Hansen, Hanne Helene. University of Copenhagen. Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences; Dinamarca

Forest management is an important strategy which can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation through appropriate care of forest resources. This study was carried out to evaluate two systems of carbon stock accumulation; a harvested forest verses a non-harvested forest. Both the above-ground and below-ground cabon stocks were assessed. Biomass of standing trees, poles and ground vegetation was measured for carbon determination in defined areas using an allometric relationship. Soil (core and composite) samples were collected from 0 –20, 20 – 40 cm and below 40 cm depths, assessed for density, carbon concentration, and profiles C-stocks were estimated. ANOVA and t-tests were performed to compare the effects of forest management on total carbon stocks. The results showed that the total above ground timber carbon (AGTC) was higher in non-harvested forest (220±154 t/ha–1) than in harvested forest (128.6±86.1 t/ha-1). The overall mean carbon stock was higher in the non-harvested forest (357±179) than in the harvested forest (257.4±93.1), which was statistically significant (p=0.031, >0.05). However, the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool was observed to be higher in the harvested forest (101.5±36.1) than in non-harvested forest (89.6±26.5).

Absract Study was conducted to ascertain the positive or negative allelospoly among Melia dubia-Aloe vera as components in silvi-medicinal land use [L1-M. dubia (2 × 2 m) + A. vera; L2-M. dubia (3 × 2 m) + A. vera; L3-M. dubia (4 × 2 m) + A. vera) and L4-sole A. vera] cropping systems. M. dubia spatial geometries resulted significant (P≤ 0.05) effect on quantitative and qualitative attributes of A. vera. Quantitative attributes viz., growth (plant height, mature leaf length, and small, mature and total leaves per plant) and biomass (above and below ground and total biomass, mature leaf, pulp, leaf peel and aloe latex) were significantly higher under M. dubia (2 × 2 m)-A. vera silvi-medicinal land use system (closer spacing) as compared to wider spatial M. dubia geometries and A. vera sole cropping. Growth and biomass decreased with increase in M. dubia spacing with minimum under sole crop of A. vera. No significant effect of silvi-medicinal and sole cropping systems was observed on A. vera below ground biomass. In A. vera pulp, through. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, 11, 13, 9 and 9 different phytochemicals were detected in M. dubia (2 × 2 m) + A. vera; M. dubia (3 × 2 m) + A. vera and M. dubia (4 × 2 m) + A. vera) and A. vera sole cropping systems, respectively. Percentage of some of the phytochemicals [+(-salsolidine); cetyl alcohol, myristic acid, cyclopentane and 5-triazole, 3ethyl was less under closest spacing (2 × 2 m) and sole cropping system; however in wider spacing (3 × 2 and 4 × 2 m) percentage of these phytochemicals was higher. Intercropping of A. vera significantly affected the growth of M. dubia; however, there was no such effect on volume and biomass production when extrapolated to hectare basis. This study substantiate that M. dubia spatial geometries had positive allelospoly on A. vera growth, biomass and phytochemicals in A. vera pulp. Hence, tree spatial geometry is essential parameters to be considered for growing medicinal plants under agroforestry systems.

Aim: Studies that monitor high‐mountain vegetation, such as paramo grasslands in the Andes, lack non‐destructive biomass estimation methods. We aimed to develop and apply allometric models for above‐ground, below‐ground and total biomass of paramo plants.Location: The paramo of southern Colombia between 1°09′N and 077°50′W, at 3,400 and 3,700 m a.s.l. Methods: We established 61 1‐m2 plots at random locations, excluding disturbed, inaccessible and peat bog areas. We measured heights and basal diameters of all vascular plants in these plots and classified them into seven growth forms. Near each plot, we sampled the biomass from plants of abundant genera, after having measured their height and basal diameter. Hence, we measured the biomass of 476 plants (allometric set). For each growth form we applied power‐law functions to develop allometric models of biomass against basal diameter, height, height x basal diameter and height × basal area. The best models were selected using AICc weights. Using the observed and predicted plant biomass of the allometric set we calculated absolute percentage errors using cross‐validation. The biomass of a plot was estimated by summing the predicted biomass of all plants in a plot. Confidence limits around these sums were calculated by bootstrapping.Results: For groups of 15%) errors. Applying groups that resembled the 1‐m2 plots in density and composition, the errors for above‐ground and total biomass estimates were 2 (mean ± SD), respectively. These values were within the range of biomass estimates obtained destructively in the tropical Andes. Conclusions: In new applications, if target vegetation samples are similar regarding growth forms and genera to our allometric set, their biomass might be predicted applying our equations, provided they contain at least 50–100 plants. In other situations, we would recommend gathering additional biomass measurements from local plants to evaluate new regression equations.

The present study was conducted in Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad to develop the allometric equations for predicting the total biomass and carbon of Azadirachta indica in three different basal diameter classes (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm). The growth variables viz., tree height, basal diameter, DBH, crown height and crown width are maximum for neem under higher diameter class, whereas minimum under lower diameter class. The average total biomass of neem tree was recorded as 122.3 kg/tree and 338.8 t/ha in all three diameter classes. The allometric relationship between the variables in Azadirachta indica was highly significant with positive and high correlation. The highest and significant linear relationship was observed in tree height (0.992) followed by crown height (0.963) with above ground biomass. With below ground biomass, a strong and highly significant relationship was observed in tree height (0.988) followed by crown height (0.974) and DBH (0.967). The above ground variables (tree height, basal diameter, DBH, crown height and crown width) had highly significant linear relationship with predicted variable of total biomass. The highest and strongest coefficient observed between total carbon and tree height (0.991) followed by crown height (0.968) and DBH (0.957). And also, the significant relationship was found between the dependent variable (total carbon) and other independent variables viz., basal diameter (0.821), and crown width (0.910). Therefore, the result of this study may be useful to predict the amount of total carbon and biomass stored in Azadirachta indica plantation on area basis.

Accurate and reliable predictive models are necessary to estimate above and below ground biomass of plant and biomass carbon stock non-destructively. Different growth models namely viz, Linear, All...

Elevated sediment delivery and resuspension in coastal waters from human activities such as shipping can have detrimental effects on seagrass health by limiting light penetration. Managing seagrasses requires knowledge of their light acclamatory abilities so guidelines for coastal activities (e.g. ship movements) that influence sediment dynamics can be created. Guidelines typically focus on ensuring that seagrasses are able to meet their minimal light requirements (MLR). MLRs can be achieved by different light regimes, but it remains unknown whether a chronically low yet stable light regime is less or more detrimental than a highly variable regime with periods of extreme low to no light. To test this, we compared the physiological and morphological responses of Thalassia hemprichii among three light regimes: an open control (30-40% ambient light), a shaded control with (11-15% ambient light), and a fluctuating shade (4-30% ambient light). The MLR for the T. hemprichii we studied was lower (4-10% ambient light) than previous reports (mean = 18%) illustrating enhanced light acclimation in Singapore's chronically turbid waters. Seagrass shoots in the shaded control, however, exhibited significantly more morphological stress symptoms, with reduced shoot growth and lower below ground biomass. These data suggest that for seagrass exposed to periods of acute light stress, energetic costs associated with photo-acclimation to more variable light regimes can be offset if the plant can meet its daily light requirements during periods of high light. Management of seagrass beds should incorporate regular light monitoring and move towards an adaptive feedback-based approach to ensure the long-term viability of these vulnerable ecosystems.

Farmland hedges could be managed for carbon sequestration, but empirical data on their carbon (C) stock in the UK is lacking. Lowland hedges managed by hedge laying and triennial trimming using a mechanical flail formed a dense woody structure (mean 81,368 stems ha−1). Hedges untrimmed for 3 years (mean height 3.5 m, widths 2.6–4.2 m), contained an above ground biomass (AGB) C stock of 42.0 ± 3.78 t C ha−1 (14.0 ± 1.94 t C km−1); when trimmed to 2.7 m high, and subsequently 1.9 m high, AGB C stocks were reduced to 40.6 ± 4.47 t C ha−1 (11.4 t C km−1) and 32.2 ± 2.76 t C ha−1 (9.9 t C km−1), respectively. A 4.2 m wide hedge contained 9.7 t C km−1 more AGB C stock than a 2.6 m wide hedge (mean height 3.5 m). Below ground biomass (BGB) was 38.2 ± 3.66 t C ha−1 (11.5 t C km−1). Near horizontal stems, arranged by hedge laying, 12–18 years prior to sampling, accounted for 5.2 t C ha−1 (1.6 t C km−1) of AGB C. The empirical data demonstrated how changing management practices to wider/taller hedges sequestered C in AGB. These estimates of hedgerow C stocks fill a knowledge gap on C storage and identified the need for a more comprehensive biomass inventory of hedgerows to strengthen the national carbon accounting of agro-ecosystems in the UK.

Replacing conventional monocultures with more diverse agroecosystems can positively impact environmental quality, but their adoption is limited, in part, due to inadequate understanding of how these systems operate regarding belowground competition. We examined how root competition between breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and māmaki (Pipturus albidus) affected aboveground performance. Our 2 × 3 factorial design consisted of two competition treatments and the three establishment treatments. Plants were grown together on either side of 47-gallon pots. For non-competition groups, a sheet of vinyl plastic was used to keep the roots of each species separate while maintaining above ground conditions. We used root cores to quantify the spatial allocation of root biomass to explore competition strategies of the two crops and measured biomass production to determine how growth was affected by competition. The two species demonstrated different responses to below-ground competition, with above ground biomass (AGBM) decreased for breadfruit but increased for māmaki. Below ground biomass increased for both plants under competition. Prior establishment enhanced māmaki's response to competition, while breadfruit's response to competition was exacerbated by post establishment and mitigated by simultaneous establishment. We suggest that māmaki's response is due to a more aggressive strategy that targets resource patches, while breadfruit is unable to compete within established māmaki zones and employs an avoidance strategy for root allocation.

The allocation of net primary production (NPP) between above- and belowground components is a key step of ecosystem material cycling and energy flows, which determines many critical parameters, e.g., the fraction of below ground NPP (BNPP) to NPP (fBNPP) and root turnover rates (RTR), in vegetation models. However, direct NPP estimation and partition are scarcely based on field measurements of biomass dynamics in the alpine grasslands on the Northern Tibetan Plateau (NTP). Consequently, these parameters are unverifiable and controversial. Here, we measured above- and belowground biomass dynamics (monthly from May to September each year from 2013 to 2015) to estimate NPP dynamics and allocations in four typical alpine grassland ecosystems, i.e., an alpine meadow, alpine meadow steppe, alpine steppe and alpine desert steppe. We found that NPP and its components, above and below ground NPP (ANPP and BNPP), increased significantly from west to east on the NTP, and ANPP was mainly affected by temperature while BNPP and NPP were mainly affected by precipitation. The bulk of BNPP was generally concentrated in the top 10 cm soil layers in all four alpine grasslands (76.1% &plusmn, 9.1%, mean &plusmn, SD). Our results showed that fBNPP was significantly different among these four alpine grasslands, with its means in alpine meadow (0.93), alpine desert steppe (0.92) being larger than that in the alpine meadow steppe (0.76) and alpine steppe (0.77). Both temperature and precipitation had significant and positive effects on the fBNPP, while their interaction effects were significantly opposite. RTR decreased with increasing precipitation, but increased with increasing temperature across this ecoregion. Our study illustrated that alpine grasslands on the NTP, especially in the alpine meadow and alpine desert steppe, partitioned an unexpected and greater NPP to below ground than most historical reports across global grasslands, indicating a more critical role of the root carbon pool in carbon cycling in alpine grasslands on the NTP.

Since 1850, over 145 ± 16 PgC (μ ± 1σ) has been emitted worldwide due to land-use change and deforestation. Besides industrial carbon capture and storage (CCS), storing carbon in forestry products and in regenerated forest has been recognized as a cost-effective carbon sequestration option, with an estimated worldwide sink potential of about 50–100 PgC (15–36 PgC from tropical forest alone). This paper proposes the expansion of a Brazilian integrated assessment model (MUSE-Brazil) by integrating a non-spatial biomass-growth model. The aim is to account for carbon sequestration potential from either reforestation or sugarcane expansion in abandoned agricultural lands. Modelling outputs suggest that Brazil has the potential to liberate up to 32.3 Mha of agricultural land by 2035, reaching 68.4 Mha by mid-century. If a sugarcane expansion policy is promoted, by 2050, the largest sequestration rates would come from above and below ground biomass pools; gradually releasing to the atmosphere around 1.6 PgC or 1.2% of the current Brazilian land carbon stock due to lower SOC carbon pools when turning agricultural lands into sugarcane crops. On the other hand, a reforestation-only scenario projects that by 2035 the baseline year carbon stock could be recovered and by 2050 the country’s carbon stock would have been increased by 3.2 PgC, reaching annual net sequestration rates of 0.1 PgC y−1, mainly supported by natural vegetation regeneration in the Cerrado biome.

Root research on field grown crops is hindered by the difficulty of estimating root biomass in soil. Root washing, the current standard method is laborious and expensive. Biochemical methods to quantify root biomass in soil, targeting species-specific DNA, have potential as a more efficient assay. We combined an efficient DNA extraction method, designed specifically to extract DNA from soil, with well-established quantitative PCR methods to estimate the root biomass of twenty-two wheat varieties grown in field trials over two seasons. We also developed an assay for estimating root biomass for black-grass, a common weed of wheat cultivation. Two robust qPCR assays were developed to estimate the quantity of plant root DNA in soil samples, one specific to wheat and barley, and a second specific to black-grass. The DNA qPCR method was comparable, with high correlations, with the results of root washing from soil cores taken from winter wheat field trials. The DNA qPCR assay showed both variety and depth as significant factors in the distribution of root biomass in replicated field trials. The results suggest that these DNA qPCR assays are a useful, high throughput tool for investigating the genetic basis of wheat root biomass distribution in field grown crops, and the impact of black-grass root systems on crop production.

This study was carried out in order to explore and compare the correlation between each measured item of the above-ground and below-ground biomass of 13-year-old Pinus densiflora S. et Z. and prepare regression equations to identify differences of early growth characteristics on each slope aspect in the stand. The south-facing slope showed the highest above-ground and below-ground biomass, followed by the north-facing slope and ridge area. The root collar diameter showed the highest correlation between the biomass of the above-ground part and the below-ground part. In the linear regression equation on the root collar diameter and the biomass of the above-ground part and the below-ground part, the growth gradient was high in the south-facing slope and north-facing slope and low in the ridge area such that the biomass in the ridge area may well continue to be low in the future as the trees grow. The result of the study demonstrated that the differences in the growth environments associated with differences ...

To estimate above- and below-ground biomass in teak (Tectona grandis) plantations throughout Thailand, we developed general allometric relationships between tree size parameters (stem diameter and height) and tree biomass (of leaves, stems, and roots). Trees were harvested from 18 plantations within the native range of teak in Thailand and across the area covered by these plantations. Allometric equations for total above- and below-ground biomass showed no significant inter-site differences and high correlation coefficients (0.90–0.99). This similarity across sites may be due to similarities in wood density among different age and/or size of teak trees. The majority of previous biomass estimation models for teak trees gave higher estimated values for both above- and below-ground biomass, suggesting that they should not be applied within Thailand. To estimate belowground biomass using root: shoot ratio (RSR), we evaluated RSR among stands of various ages and sizes. We further identified differences in RSR between Thailand and other regions. Estimated RSR varied among stands and decreased significantly with stand age and average tree size. This relationship suggests that belowground biomass can be estimated from aboveground biomass using RSR. However, RSR values differed among countries and regions. In summary, general allometric equations and RSR value can be used to accurately estimate above- and below-ground biomass in teak plantations across Thailand.

Agriculture, and its impact on land, contributes almost a third of total human emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). At the same time, it is the only sector which has significant potential for negative emissions through offsetting via the supply of feedstock for energy and sequestration in biomass and soils.Perennial crops represent 30% of the global cropland area. However, the positive effect of biomass storage on net GHG emissions has largely been ignored. Reasons for this include the inconsistency in methods of accounting for biomass in perennials. In this study, we present a generic model to calculate the carbonbalance and GHG emissions from perennial crops, covering both bioenergy and food crops. The model can be parametrized for any given crop if the necessary empirical data exists. We illustrate the model for four perennial crops e apple, coffee, sugarcane, and Miscanthuse to demonstrate the importance ofbiomass in overall farm GHG emissions.