Allometric equations for estimating aboveground biomass carbon in five tree species grown in an intercropping agroforestry system in southern Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Allometric equations were developed for estimating aboveground biomass carbon (AGBC) in five tree species grown in a tree-based intercropping system at the University of Guelph Agroforestry Research Station, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. A total of 66 representative trees from five species: red oak (Quercus rubra) [n = 12], black walnut (Juglans nigra) [n = 16], black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) [n = 10], white ash (Fraxinus americana) [n = 15], Norway spruce (Picea abies) [n = 13] were selected, harvested and their aboveground biomass and carbon content were quantified. Three commonly used allometric models were used to develop predictive equations. Regression models were developed and parameterized for each tree species and the best are presented based on information criteria (AIC, AICc, and BIC), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), over/under estimation (MOUE), root mean square error (RMSE), R², and regression coefficients (a, b) of the observed/predicted (OP) linear regression analysis. All equations with diameter at breast height (D) only and D and tree height (H) as the predictor variables fitted the AGBC data well, with R² > 97% and RMSE < 40. However, a power model using D as the only predictor is recommended as the best model for black walnut, black locust, white ash, and Norway spruce. The models presented are the best fitted allometric equations for the indicated species and are recommended for these species, growing on similar soils under the same temperate conditions at densities of < 125 tree per hectare.