Estimating above-ground biomass and carbon stock of individual trees in uneven-aged Uludag fir stands

Abstract

Data related to carbon storage capacities of forests have become very important through global warming. After Kyoto Protocol, countries need to see carbon storage abilities of their forests to perform true declarations. So, we aimed to set allometric biomass and carbon equations suitable for predicting above-ground biomass and carbon amounts and conversion of standing stem volume to stored carbon values of above-ground tree components for Uludağ Fir trees. Based on data obtained 34 sample trees which symbolized diameter classes (4-60 cm), above-ground biomass development of Uludağ fir was modeled according to tree components. Carbon concentrations of tree components were established with the help of samples taken from sample trees. The biomass and sequestered carbon were modeled from the standing stem volume of single trees, in order to allow calculation of the carbon sequestered in stands. The study tested different models in determining biomass as a function of DBH or DBH and H. Appropriate functions were chosen and used in the estimation of biomass. Carbon concentrations were found to be lowest in branch barks, with a ratio of 47.0% and highest in needles, with a ratio of 53.5%. The present study make it possible to attain –above-ground biomass and sequestered carbon values safely and without any auxiliary operation by using the standing stem volume, which is the most practical element in management plans.