Additive aboveground biomass equations for major tree species in over-logged forest region in northeast China

Abstract

Additive aboveground biomass equations were developed for individual trees of eight major species in the over-logged forests of northeast China using data from 286 trees destructively sampled in these forests. Diameter at breast height was the only predictor variable used in the model specification. The equations for component biomass (i.e. stem wood, stem bark, branch and foliage in this case) and for the total tree biomass were additive as the sum of predicted component biomass was constrained to be equal to the predicted total tree biomass in the model specification. The inherent cross-equational error correlation was taken into account in parameter estimation. Goodness-of-fit statistics indicated that the predictive performance of these equations was adequate for the estimation of total as well as component biomass of individual trees in the region.