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1.
Key message
When predicting forest growth at a regional or national level, uncertainty arises from the sampling and the prediction model. Using a transition-matrix model, we made predictions for the whole Catalonian forest over an 11-year interval. It turned out that the sampling was the major source of uncertainty and accounted for at least 60 % of the total uncertainty.Context
With the development of new policies to mitigate global warming and to protect biodiversity, there is a growing interest in large-scale forest growth models. Their predictions are affected by many sources of uncertainty such as the sampling error, errors in the estimates of the model parameters, and residual errors. Quantifying the total uncertainty of those predictions helps to evaluate the risk of making a wrong decision.Aims
In this paper, we quantified the contribution of the sampling error and the model-related errors to the total uncertainty of predictions from a large-scale growth model in Catalonia.Methods
The model was based on a transition-matrix approach and predicted tree frequencies by species group and 5-cm diameter class over an 11-year time step. Using Monte Carlo techniques, we propagated the sampling error and the model-related errors to quantify their contribution to the total uncertainty.Results
The sampling variance accounted for at least 60 % of the total variance in smaller diameter classes, with this percentage increasing up to 90 % in larger diameter classes.Conclusion
Among the few possible options to reduce sampling uncertainty, we suggest improving the variance–covariance estimator of the predictions in order to better account for the multivariate framework and the changing plot size.2.
Thomas Cordonnier Thomas Bourdier Georges Kunstler Christian Piedallu Benoît Courbaud 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(4):101
Key message
In tree communities, tree size inequality reduces productivity and interacts with tree shade tolerance to modulate stand productivity, with a higher productivity in stands where shade-intolerant species dominate shade-tolerant species in size.Context
Positive diversity–productivity relationships have been reported in different plant communities, including tree communities. These effects may be strongly related to both structural diversity and functional diversity, but also to their interactions if there is a non-random distribution of species functional characteristics among canopy layers.Aims
We explore the relative effects on forest productivity of tree species diversity, tree size inequality, and species shade tolerance diversity, as well as the effect of the distribution of tree shade tolerance in the canopy.Methods
We used 11,054 mixed-species forest plots from the French Forest Inventory (IGN) distributed throughout France (2006–2011). We analyzed the effects of species richness, shade tolerance diversity, and height inequality on forest plot productivity, represented by basal area annual increment over a period of 5 years, while controlling for first-order structure characteristics (basal area and quadratic mean diameter) and environmental factors (soil water budget and sum of growing degree days). Using the covariance between tree height and shade tolerance in mixed species canopies, we also explored the effect of the distribution of species’ shade tolerance among canopy layers.Results
The results showed a positive effect of species richness (effect size, 0.02) and a negative effect of height inequality (??0.05) on mixed-forest productivity. We also showed that a negative covariance between shade tolerance and height (e.g., higher proportion of shade-tolerant species in lower height classes) increased productivity (0.01). Shade tolerance diversity did not affect productivity.Conclusion
In tree communities, as shown previously in monospecific forest stands, tree size inequality reduces productivity. This effect is modulated by the distribution of shade tolerance among canopy layers. Previous studies on species diversity effect have generally overlooked the importance of the size structure and the size hierarchy of functional characteristics. These effects are, however, crucial and deserve to be explored in greater detail.3.
4.
Key message
Coppice stands result in slightly higher stump waste compared with planted stands, when felled mechanically by a harvester.Context
The large demand for wood fibre requires efficient production and cost-effective practices throughout the supply chain.Aims
The purpose of the study was to quantify the amount of volume lost to excessive stump height in coppiced and planted stands.Methods
Stump height was measured on similar eucalypt stands that differed only for their origin: coppiced or planted. The study sample comprised of 543 planted stems and 851 coppice stems; of which 365 grew as double stems and 486 as single.Results
Stump waste was highest for coppiced double stumps, smallest for coppiced single stumps and intermediate for planted tree stumps. All differences were statistically significant, but the difference between coppiced single stumps and planted tree stumps was much smaller (20%) than the difference between coppiced double stumps and the rest (220–260%). Regression analysis showed that stump waste volume increased with tree volume, and this effect was twice as large for coppiced double stumps compared with the other treatments. Stump waste seemed very small in both relative and absolute terms and is unlikely to offset the large benefits accrued through coppice management and mechanization.Conclusion
Comparison with previous stump height studies indicates that the results obtained in this experiment for planted eucalypt may have general value and could be extended to other coppice stands, although with caution.5.
Key message
Natural regeneration patterns of conifer species were studied. Seedling regeneration follows patterns responding to stand structure and site condition factors along shade and drought tolerance gradients. Our findings can assist in adaptive forest management for maintaining sustainable regeneration and plant biodiversity.Context
Seedling regeneration can vary with stand factors of overstory trees and understory non-tree vegetation and site conditions.Aims
Natural seedling regeneration patterns of coniferous species were investigated using Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data of 10 common species across the Inland Northwest, USA.Methods
Zero-inflated negative binomial models were developed to understand the responses of natural regeneration to stand factors and site conditions.Results
Seedling occurrence varies along shade and drought tolerance gradients responding to stand structure and site conditions. Two moderate shade-tolerant species of different drought tolerance contributed as a transition. Strong response patterns were revealed for seedling density, in which seedling density was improved with the presence of conspecific trees while limited by competition, especially from the understory vegetation layer.Conclusion
Overstory structure and understory vegetation could improve or hinder natural regeneration of coniferous tree species given different shade tolerance and site conditions. Our findings can be effectively implemented in adaptive forest management for maintaining sustainable regeneration of specific conifers in broad temperate mixed forests.6.
Rafał Podlaski 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(2):29
? Key message
New types of distribution functions are needed to model the dynamics of stands where important age classes are represented by few trees. In this study the gamma shape mixture model and two simulation methods were used for generating tree diameter data.? Context
To analyse forest dynamics, it is necessary to know distribution of the characteristics (mainly tree diameters) of trees forming particular developmental phases. In many forest inventories, the measurement of large diameter at breast height (DBH) samples is practically impossible. In this case, DBH distributions can be generated using theoretical models.? Aims
The aim of this study was to assess the precision of the approximation of empirical DBH data using the gamma shape mixture (GSM) model and kernel density estimation. The strengths and weaknesses of the two simulation methods were presented and discussed.? Methods
The GSM model was adopted to approximate empirical DBH data collected in 20 near-natural stands. Two simulation methods were used: (a) the procedure based on a multimodal distribution and gamma random numbers (MDGR procedure) and (b) MCMC techniques with Metropolis–Hastings sampling (MH method).? Results
The GSM model precisely fitted the investigated DBH distributions. The MDGR procedure was slightly more precise than the MH method, especially in the case of the samples of 250 DBHs. The level of homogeneity within the drawn DBH sets was similar for all samples.? Conclusion
The GSM model is very flexible. The DBH random variates, generated with the use of analysed procedures, represented all tree generations being significant from a biological point of view.7.
Key message
Biomass functions are relevant for an easy and quick estimation of tree biomass. Nevertheless, additive biomass functions for different species and different components have not been published for the area of Germany, yet. Now, we present a set of additive biomass functions for estimating component and total mass for eight species and up to nine components.Context
Biomass functions are relevant for an easy and quick estimation of tree biomass, e.g. for carbon budget calculation. Component-specific functions offer even more detail and can be used to answer questions about, e.g., biomass allocation to different components, (nutrient) element stock and flows or the amount and re-distribution of harvested biomass and its consequences.Aims
Since there exists no published additive biomass functions in the context of Germany, we aimed at providing such equations for different species and different components using a comprehensive data set from different sources.Methods
We collected several data sets for eight relevant tree species (Norway spruce, n =?1150 trees; Silver fir, n =?31; Douglas fir, n =?161; Scots pine, n =?460; European beech, n =?918; Oak, n =?313; Sycamore, n =?28 and European ash, n =?37) in Germany and adjacent countries, homogenised the component information, imputed missing values and applied nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression to eight (for deciduous trees species) respectively nine (for conifereous species) components simultaneously.Results
The collected data set contains trees from 7 cm diameter in breast height to around 80 cm. From this broad data basis, we established two sets of additive biomass functions: a simple model using the predictors diameter in breast height and tree height as well as a more elaborate model using up to six predictors.Conclusion
Finally, we can present additive models for the eight relevant tree species in Germany. Models for Silver fir, European ash and Sycamore are rather limited in their model range due to their input data; the other models are based on a broad range of predictors and are considered to be broadly applicable.8.
Marie Charru Ingrid Seynave Jean-Christophe Hervé Romain Bertrand Jean-Daniel Bontemps 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(2):33
Key message
Recent growth changes (1980–2007) in Western European forests strongly vary across tree species, and range from +42% in mountain contexts to ?17% in Mediterranean contexts. These changes reveal recent climate warming footprint and are structured by species' temperature (?) and precipitation (+) growing conditions.Context
Unprecedented climate warming impacts forests extensively, questioning the respective roles of climatic habitats and tree species in forest growth responses. National forest inventories ensure a repeated and spatially systematic monitoring of forests and form a unique contributing data source.Aims
A primary aim of this paper was to estimate recent growth changes in eight major European tree species, in natural contexts ranging from mountain to Mediterranean. A second aim was to explore their association with species’ climatic habitat and contemporary climate change.Methods
Using >315,000 tree increments measured in >25,000 NFI plots, temporal changes in stand basal area increment (BAI) were modelled. Indicators of climate normals and of recent climatic change were correlated to species BAI changes.Results
BAI changes spanned from ?17 to +42% over 1980–2007 across species. BAI strongly increased for mountain species, showed moderate/no increase for generalist and temperate lowland species and declined for Mediterranean species. BAI changes were greater in colder/wetter contexts than in warmer/drier ones where declines were observed. This suggested a role for climate warming, further found more intense in colder contexts and strongly correlated with species BAI changes.Conclusion
The predominant role of climate warming and species climatic habitat in recent growth changes is highlighted in Western Europe. Concern is raised for Mediterranean species, showing growth decreases in a warmer climate with stable precipitation.9.
Nicolas Marron Pierrick Priault Cécilia Gana Dominique Gérant Daniel Epron 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(1):23
Key message
In a mixed poplar/black locust plantation in central France, adverse conditions have led to a prevalence of interspecific competition, resulting in a poorer performance than monocultures.Context
In mixed tree plantations, the presence of woody N2-fixing species is thought to reduce N needs by fertilization. However, benefits associated to soil nitrogen enrichment have to outweigh the negative effects of interspecific competition. To do so, co-occurring tree species have to be chosen carefully to promote niche sharing between species and reduce competition. Black locust and poplar mixtures therefore seem promising since both species are fast growing and have potentially complementary crown shapes.Aims
Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the poplar/black locust mixture on the growth, above- and belowground biomass production, and nitrogen allocation of the two species, as compared to their respective monocultures.Methods
An experimental plantation mixing poplar and black locust was set up in central France. For five growing seasons, growth, nitrogen allocation, and carbon allocation were monitored for the two species growing either in mixture or in monoculture.Results
After a couple of promising growing seasons, black locust growth and survival slowly declined, mainly in the mixture. At the stand level, biomass production in the mixed plots was nearly 50% below the most productive monoculture (poplar) by age 5 years.Conclusion
Under adverse conditions, interspecific competition in the mixture was the preponderant interaction, resulting in higher mortality and lower biomass production than the two monocultures.10.
Xiuwei Wang Dehai Zhao Guifen Liu Chengjun Yang R. O. Teskey 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(2):60
Key message
A new system of additive tree biomass equations was developed for juvenile white birch plantations based on tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height (HT). Compared with previous equations developed for natural white birch forests, the new system included one more biomass component and provided more accurate predictions.Context
Accurate estimates of tree component and total biomass are necessary for evaluating alternative forest management strategies for biomass feedstock, carbon sequestration, and products. Previous biomass equations developed for white birch trees in natural stands provided substantially biased predictions for white birch plantations.Aims
A new system of additive tree biomass equations was developed for juvenile white birch plantations in the northeastern China.Methods
With destructive biomass sampling data from 501 trees sampled from white birch provenance and family trails at ages 7, 9, 10, and 13 in three provinces, a system of nonlinear additive tree biomass equations based on DBH and tree height was developed using the nonlinear seemingly unrelated regressions (NSUR) approach.Results
Compared with previously published equations developed for natural white birch forests, the new system provided more accurate predictions of white birch tree component and aboveground and total biomass, especially of branch, foliage, and root biomass.Conclusion
The new system extended the applicability of biomass equations to white birch plantations in the northeastern China.11.
Key message
Silver fir transplantations along elevational gradients revealed a high diversity but no local adaptation. Populations displayed similar abilities to adapt to new environments including those due to climate change.Context
The sustainability of forest stands depends on the ability of species and communities to adapt by combining plasticity and genetic evolution. Although well-documented at the scale of species distributions, the variability and adaptation of forest tree genetic resources are less understood at the short-distance scale.Aims
We analysed the effects of genetic and environmental factors on the local-scale phenotypic diversity of traits related to adaptation in Abies alba. We also sought to highlight local adaptation, revealing past selection.Methods
Six adaptive traits related to growth, phenology and survival were measured on seedlings from 57 half-sib families collected from 15 provenances and planted in a nine-site reciprocal transplant experiment distributed along three elevational gradients.Results
Most part of the phenotypic variability was attributed to the environmental factors. Provenances and families had also significant effects on seedling performances, but the genetic variability was mostly attributed to the families. No pattern of local adaptation was observed, except in the presence of lateral branches in the driest garden.Conclusion
The absence of local adaptation suggests a similar ability of all silver fir populations to develop in the various environments. This result provides favourable conditions for coping with the ongoing climate change without exotic resources enrichment.12.
? Key message
Parasitism by mistletoe increases the cover and diversity of herbaceous vegetation under the host tree and attracts the activity of rabbits in comparison to control trees. Thus, the effects on forest community go beyond the parasitized tree.? Context
Mistletoes are a diverse group of aerial hemiparasitic plants and are considered keystone species in forest ecosystems around the world. They produce nutrient-enriched litter, which exerts a substantial effect on soil-nutrient concentration, and the enriched nutrient patch alters the vegetation at the site as well as the associated fauna.? Aims
Our goal is to ascertain whether mistletoe (Viscum album) parasitism of pine forest of a Mediterranean mountain favors herbaceous vegetation and attracts mammalian herbivores.? Methods
We recorded in Sierra de Baza (SE Spain) the composition of the herbaceous vegetation under pines with and without mistletoe parasitism, and estimated the rabbit activity at the same sites by collecting their excrements.? Results
An effect on herbaceous vegetation, especially in grasses belonging to the family Poaceae, was reflected in a notable increase in soil cover, species richness, and species diversity beneath parasitized pines with respect to unparasitized ones. As a consequence, parasitized pines attract the activity of rabbits, as shown by a fivefold quantity of excrement with respect to control ones.? Conclusion
Parasitism by mistletoe, by creating patches of greater nutrient availability under the host canopy, extends its effects beyond the host tree to other members of the forest community, such as herbaceous plants and associated herbivorous animals, which in turn contribute to environmental heterogeneity with their activity.13.
Jean-Pierre Renaud Cédric Vega Sylvie Durrieu Jonathan Lisein Steen Magnussen Philippe Lejeune Mériem Fournier 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(4):74
Key message
Diachronic photogrammetric canopy height models can be used to quantify at a fine scale changes in dominant height and wood volume following storms. The regular renewal of aerial surveys makes this approach appealing for monitoring forest changes.Context
The increasing availability of aerial photographs and the development of dense matching algorithms open up new possibilities to assess the effects of storm events on forest canopies.Aims
The objective of this research is to assess the potential of diachronic canopy height models derived from photogrammetric point clouds (PCHM) to quantify changes in dominant height and wood volume of a broadleaved forest following a major storm.Methods
PCHMs derived from aerial photographs acquired before and after a storm event were calibrated using 25 field plots to estimate dominant height and volume using various modeling approaches. The calibrated models were combined with a reference damage maps to estimate both the within-stand damage variability, and the amount of volume impacted.Results
Dominant height was predicted with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 4%, and volume with RMSEs ranging from 24 to 32% according to the type of model. The volume impacted by storm was in the range of 42–76%. Overall, the maps of dominant height changes provided more details about within-stand damage variability than conventional photointerpretation do.Conclusion
The study suggests a promising potential for exploiting PCHM in pursuit of a rapid localization and quantification of wind-throw damages, given an adapted sampling design to calibrate models.14.
María Menéndez-Gutiérrez Margarita Alonso Gabriel Toval Raquel Díaz 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(4):76
Key message
Pinus pinaster Ait. susceptibility to pinewood nematode significantly differed among provenances, and the two Atlantic provenances of the Iberian Peninsula being the most affected. However, significant provenance × environment interaction was found. Provenance susceptibility was related to basal diameter, number of branches and oleoresin flow, and some climatic parameters.Context
The pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, native to North America, is an important pest affecting pine forests throughout Eurasia. In Europe, it has been detected in Portugal and Spain and is primarily associated with Pinus pinaster, an important Mediterranean tree species.Aims
We have investigated the differences in susceptibility among several P. pinaster provenances in the Iberian Peninsula and France, as well as their relationship to certain growth traits and physiological parameters.Methods
Three independent inoculation tests were performed on 3 to 4-year-old trees, followed by assessment of growth traits and physiological variables, along with time course destructive sampling for nematode quantification.Results
The results showed significant differences among provenances for almost all growth traits, wilting, and mortality, though a significant provenance × environment interaction was also detected. Two Atlantic provenances, Noroeste-Litoral and Leiria, displayed the largest susceptibility to pinewood nematode. Changes in susceptibility to B. xylophilus between experiments were influenced by temperature and seasonality. Autumn precipitation and mean maximum temperature during summer at the original provenance sites could be related to provenance susceptibility.Conclusion
Noroeste-Litoral and Leiria were the most disease-affected provenances. This study emphasizes the need for further research on how tree growth stage influences susceptibility and on the possibility of cross-breeding among provenances.15.
Susanne Brandl Tobias Mette Wolfgang Falk Patrick Vallet Thomas Rötzer Hans Pretzsch 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(2):56
Key message
Static site indices determined from stands’ top height are derived from different forest inventory sources with height and age information and thus enable comparisons and modeling of a species’ productivity encompassing large environmental gradients.Context
Estimating forest site productivity under changing climate requires models that cover a wide range of site conditions. To exploit different inventory sources, we need harmonized measures and procedures for the productive potential. Static site indices (SI) appear to be a good choice.Aims
We propose a method to derive static site indices for different inventory designs and apply it to six tree species of the German and French National Forest Inventory (NFI). For Norway spruce and European beech, the climate dependency of SI is modeled in order to estimate trends in productivity due to climate change.Methods
Height and age measures are determined from the top diameters of a species at a given site. The SI is determined for a reference age of 100 years.Results
The top height proves as a stable height measure that can be derived harmoniously from German and French NFI. The boundaries of the age-height frame are well described by the Chapman-Richards function. For spruce and beech, generalized additive models of the SI against simple climate variables lead to stable and plausible model behavior.Conclusion
The introduced methodology permits a harmonized quantification of forest site productivity by static site indices. Predicting productivity in dependence on climate illustrates the benefits of combined datasets.16.
José Ramón González-Olabarria Jordi Garcia-Gonzalo Blas Mola-Yudego Timo Pukkala 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(3):52
Key message
We generate flexible management rules for black pine stands, adaptable to alternative stand management situations and entailing thinnings, final-felling, and salvage cuts, based on the results on 270 stand level optimizations.Context
Forest management instructions often rely on the anticipated prediction of the stand development, which poses a challenge on variable economic and environmental conditions. Instead, an alternative approach to better adapt forest management decisions to changing conditions is defining flexible rules based on thresholds that trigger management operations.Aims
This article develops rules for the adaptive management of P. nigra stands in Catalonia (Spain) addressing the risk of fire and post-fire forest management.Methods
The stochastic version of the simulation-optimization system RODAL was used to optimize the management of forest stands in three sites under different fire probability levels. A total of 270 optimizations were done varying site fertility, fire probability, and economic factors. The results of the optimizations were used as the basis of flexible forest management rules for adaptive stand management.Results
The developed management rules defined the basal area limit for thinning, the thinning intensity, the mean tree diameter at which regeneration cuttings should start, and the basal area below which a salvage cutting should be done. Fire risk was not a significant predictor of the models for thinning and final cutting rules.Conclusion
The presented rules provide a flexible tool for forest management during the stand development and under changing conditions when the management objective is to maximize economic profitability of timber production.17.
Key message
Bark thickness was shown to vary between regions, stands, and trees. Bark thickness prediction equations of different model complexity can be suggested depending on the purpose of application. Site and stand conditions, which influence variation of growth rate to a large extent, seem to have a strong influence on bark thickness, with better site quality leading to smaller relative bark thickness.Context
For many applications in forestry and forest science, local or regional species-specific bark thickness equations are used to estimate inside-bark diameters with outside-bark diameter measurements.Aims
The objectives of this study were (1) to assess variation in bark thickness due to tree and stand factors in two Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) datasets from different time periods, (2) to compare and evaluate alternative established model forms for estimating bark thickness, and (3) to assess spatial variation in bark thickness to estimate the effects of environmental factors on bark thickness.Methods
Different bark thickness models were chosen from the literature and compared for their predictive quality for new measurements and a dataset from the 1970s. Mixed-effect modelling was applied to account for the hierarchical data structure, and generalized additive mixed models were used to analyse spatial effects and the influence of climatic factors, such as precipitation and temperature.Results
A strong positional autocorrelation of bark thickness within trees and within plots could be shown. Bark thickness was smaller in the new data compared to the measurements from the 1970s. The variation between stands could not be explained by the tested environmental factors, but tree age had a strong positive effect on bark thickness.Conclusion
In the study region, the variation of site productivity and individual growth rate seem to have a strong influence on bark thickness, whereas no significant effect of large scale climatic factors could be found.18.
Gerónimo Quiñonez-Barraza Dehai Zhao Héctor M. De Los Santos Posadas José J. Corral-Rivas 《Annals of Forest Science》2018,75(3):78
Key message
More accurate diameter at breast height (dbh)-growth models are needed for developing management tools for mixed-species forests in Mexico. Individual distance-dependent dbh growth models that quantify local neighborhood effects have been developed for four species groups in such forests. The performance of the models is improved by distinguishing between inter- and intraspecific group competitions.Context
The management of mixed-species forests in the northwest of Durango, Mexico, is mainly based on the selection method. Understanding the interspecific and intraspecific competition is critical to developing management tools for such mixed-species forests.Aims
An individual-based distance-dependent modeling approach was used to model the growth of dbh and to evaluate neighborhood effects for four species groups in Mexican mixed-species stands.Methods
Twenty-two species were classified into four groups: Pinus (seven species), other conifers (three species), other broadleaves (four species), and Quercus (eight species). Four methods were used to select neighboring trees and 12 competition indices (CIs) were calculated. Comparisons of the neighboring trees selection methods and CIs and tests of assumptions about neighborhood effects were conducted.Results
Intra-species-group competition significantly reduced diameter growth for all species groups, except for the Quercus group. The Pinus, other conifers, and Quercus groups had significant and negative neighborhood effects on the other broadleaves species group, and not vice versa. The Quercus group also had negative neighborhood effect on the Pinus and other conifers species groups, and not vice versa. The Pinus and other conifers species groups had negative neighborhood effects on each other. All fitted age-independent dbh growth models showed a good of fit to the data (adjusted coefficient of determination larger than 0.977).Conclusion
The growth models can be used to predict dbh growth for species groups and competition in mixed-species stand from Durango, Mexico.19.
Solichin Manuri Cris Brack Teddy Rusolono Fatmi Noor’an Louis Verchot Sandhi I. Maulana Wahyu C . Adinugroho Hery Kurniawan Dian Wulansih Sukisno Gita Ardia Kusuma Arif Budiman Rahmad Supri Anggono Chairil Anwar Siregar Onrizal Onrizal Dhany Yuniati Emma Soraya 《Annals of Forest Science》2017,74(1):23
Key message
This study assessed the effect of ecological variables on tree allometry and provides more accurate aboveground biomass (AGB) models through the involvement of large samples representing major islands, biogeographical zones and various succession and degradation levels of natural lowland forests in the Indo-Malay region. The only additional variable that significantly and largely contributed to explaining AGB variation is grouping based on wood-density classes.Context
There is a need for an AGB equation at tree level for the lowland tropical forests of the Indo-Malay region. In this respect, the influence of geographical, climatic and ecological gradients needs to be assessed.Aims
The overall aim of this research is to provide a regional-scale analysis of allometric models for tree AGB of lowland tropical forests in the Indo-Malay region.Methods
A dataset of 1300 harvested trees (5 cm ≤ trunk diameter ≤ 172 cm) was collected from a wide range of succession and degradation levels of natural lowland forests through direct measurement and an intensive literature search of principally grey publications. We performed ANCOVA to assess possible irregular datasets from the 43 study sites. After ANCOVA, a 1201-tree dataset was selected for the development of allometric equations. We tested whether the variables related to climate, geographical region and species grouping affected tree allometry in the lowland forest of the Indo-Malay region.Results
Climatic and major taxon-based variables were not significant in explaining AGB variations. Biogeographical zone was a significant variable explaining AGB variation, but it made only a minor contribution on the accuracy of AGB models. The biogeographical effect on AGB variation is more indirect than its effect on species and stand characteristics. In contrast, the integration of wood-density classes improved the models significantly.Conclusion
Our AGB models outperformed existing local models and will be useful for improving the accuracy on the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in tropical forests. However, more samples of large trees are required to improve our understanding of biomass distribution across various forest types and along geographical and elevation gradients.20.
Pau Brunet-Navarro Frank J. Sterck Jordi Vayreda Jordi Martinez-Vilalta Godefridus M.J. Mohren 《Annals of Forest Science》2016,73(4):1025-1034