Aboveground biomass estimation for three common woody species in the post oak savannah of Texas

Abstract

The post oak savannah of Texas contains many shrubs and trees species that lack standing biomass estimation. Nondestructive biomass prediction equations for dry weight (g) and fuel size classes (to accurately assess fuels hazards and potential fire behavior) were determined for post oak (Quercus stellata Wangenh.), eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.), and gum bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. subsp. oblongifolium [Nutt] T.D. Penn) using basal diameter, height, and crown area. Five models (full model, full log model, combined variable model, logarithmic model, and combined variable model with crown area) were performed and compared. The logarithmic model provided the best results for predicting dry weight. The logarithmic model was the only one that performed well for any fuel size parameter (post oak foliage and eastern redcedar 1 hour fuel size). Copyright © 2010 by the Society of American Foresters.