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A review of the challenges and opportunities in estimating above ground forest biomass using tree-level models

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Title A review of the challenges and opportunities in estimating above ground forest biomass using tree-level models
Names Temesgen, Hailemariam (creator)
Affleck, David (creator)
Poudel, Krishna (creator)
Gray, Andrew (creator)
Sessions, John (creator)
Date Issued 2015-05-19 (iso8601)
Abstract Accurate biomass measurements and analyses are critical components in quantifying carbon stocks and sequestration
rates, assessing potential impacts due to climate change, locating bio-energy processing plants, and mapping and
planning fuel treatments. To this end, biomass equations will remain a key component of future carbon measurements
and estimation. As researchers in biomass and carbon estimation, we review the present scenario of aboveground
biomass estimation, focusing particularly on estimation using tree-level models and identify some cautionary points that
we believe will improve the accuracy of biomass and carbon estimates to meet societal needs. In addition, we discuss
the critical challenges in developing or calibrating tree biomass models and opportunities for improved biomass. Some
of the opportunities to improve biomass estimate include integration of taper and other attributes and combining
different data sources. Biomass estimation is a complex process, when possible, we should make use of already
available resources such as wood density and forest inventory databases. Combining different data-sets for model
development and using independent data-sets for model verification will offer opportunities to improve biomass
estimation. Focus should also be made on belowground biomass estimation to accurately estimate the full forest
contribution to carbon sequestration. In addition, we suggest developing comprehensive biomass estimation methods
that account for differences in site and stand density and improve forest biomass modeling and validation at a range of
spatial scales.
Genre Article
Topic biomass allometries
Identifier Temesgen, H., Affleck, D., Poudel, K., Gray, A., & Sessions, J. (2015). A review of the challenges and opportunities in estimating above ground forest biomass using tree-level models. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, 30(4), 326-335. doi:10.1080/02827581.2015.1012114

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