Estimation of biomass and carbon stocks: the case of the Atlantic Forest

Author(s):Show less -

Vieira, Simone Aparecida ; Alves, Luciana Ferreira ; Aidar, Marcos ; Araújo, Luciana Spinelli ; Baker, Tim ; Batista, João Luís Ferreira ; Campos, Mariana Cruz ; Camargo, Plinio Barbosa ; Chave, Jerome ; Delitti, Welington Braz Carvalho ; et al

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biota Neotropica; v. 8, n. 2, p. 21-29, Apr. 2008.
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to present and discuss the best methods to estimate live above ground biomass in the Atlantic Forest. The methods presented and conclusions are the products of a workshop entitled "Estimation of Biomass and Carbon Stocks: the Case of Atlantic Rain Forest". Aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests is mainly contained in trees. Tree biomass is a function of wood volume, obtained from the diameter and height, architecture and wood density (dry weight per unit volume of fresh wood). It can be quantified by the direct (destructive) or indirect method where the biomass quantification is estimated using mathematical models. The allometric model can be site specific when elaborated to a particular ecosystem or general that can be used in different sites. For the Atlantic Forest, despite the importance of it, there are only two direct measurements of tree biomass, resulting in allometric models specific for this ecosystem. To select one or other of the available models in the iterature to estimate AGB it is necessary take into account what is the main question to be answered and the ease with which it is possible to measure the independent variables in the model. Models that present more accurate estimates should be preferred. However, more simple models (those with one independent variable, usually DBH) can be used when the focus is monitoring the variation in carbon storage through the time. Our observations in the Atlantic Forest suggest that pan-tropical relations proposed by Chave et al. (2005) can be confidently used to estimated tree biomass across biomes as long as tree diameter (DBH), height, and wood density are accounted for in the model. In Atlantic Forest, we recommend the quantification of biomass of lianas, bamboo, palms, tree ferns and epiphytes, which are an important component in this ecosystem... (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 03/12595-7 - Floristic composition, structure and functioning of the Dense Rainforest nuclei of Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia of Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, State of São Paulo, Brazil
• Grantee: CARLOS ALFREDO JOLY
• Support type: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants