Comparing Algorithms for Estimating Foliar Biomass of Conifers in the Pacific Northwest
Comparing Algorithms for Estimating Foliar Biomass of Conifers in the Pacific Northwest

Author: Crystal Lynn Raymond

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13:

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Accurate estimates of foliar biomass (FB) are important for quantifying carbon storage in forest ecosystems, but FB is not always reported in regional or national inventories. Foliar biomass also drives key ecological processes in ecosystem models. Published algorithms for estimating FB in conifer species of the Pacific Northwest can yield signifi cantly different results, but have not been rigorously compared for species other than Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). We compared five algorithms for estimating FB for seven common coniferous species in the Pacific Northwest. Algorithms based on diameter at breast height (DBH), or on DBH and height, consistently yield higher estimates of FB than algorithms based on sapwood area. At the tree level, differences between algorithms increased with increasing DBH for all species, but their order and magnitude differed by species. At the stand level, differences among algorithms were muted by the mix of species and diameter classes that contributed to total FB of stands of different seral stages and species composition. Significant differences among estimates of FB from different algorithms show the need for consistent methods for estimating FB for carbon accounting, tests of the sensitivity of ecosystem models to these differences, and more field observations to compare algorithms.

Comparing algorithms for estimating foliar biomass of conifers in the Pacific Northwest
Comparing algorithms for estimating foliar biomass of conifers in the Pacific Northwest

Author: Crystal Lynn Raymond

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 23

ISBN-13:

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Accurate estimates of foliar biomass (FB) are important for quantifying carbon storage in forest ecosystems, but FB is not always reported in regional or national inventories. Foliar biomass also drives key ecological processes in ecosystem models. Published algorithms for estimating FB in conifer species of the Pacific Northwest can yield signifi cantly different results, but have not been rigorously compared for species other than Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). We compared five algorithms for estimating FB for seven common coniferous species in the Pacific Northwest. Algorithms based on diameter at breast height (DBH), or on DBH and height, consistently yield higher estimates of FB than algorithms based on sapwood area. At the tree level, differences between algorithms increased with increasing DBH for all species, but their order and magnitude differed by species. At the stand level, differences among algorithms were muted by the mix of species and diameter classes that contributed to total FB of stands of different seral stages and species composition. Significant differences among estimates of FB from different algorithms show the need for consistent methods for estimating FB for carbon accounting, tests of the sensitivity of ecosystem models to these differences, and more field observations to compare algorithms.

Comparing algorithms for estimating foliar biomass of conifers in the Pacific Northwest
Comparing algorithms for estimating foliar biomass of conifers in the Pacific Northwest

Author: Crystal Lynn Raymond

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 23

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Accurate estimates of foliar biomass (FB) are important for quantifying carbon storage in forest ecosystems, but FB is not always reported in regional or national inventories. Foliar biomass also drives key ecological processes in ecosystem models. Published algorithms for estimating FB in conifer species of the Pacific Northwest can yield signifi cantly different results, but have not been rigorously compared for species other than Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). We compared five algorithms for estimating FB for seven common coniferous species in the Pacific Northwest. Algorithms based on diameter at breast height (DBH), or on DBH and height, consistently yield higher estimates of FB than algorithms based on sapwood area. At the tree level, differences between algorithms increased with increasing DBH for all species, but their order and magnitude differed by species. At the stand level, differences among algorithms were muted by the mix of species and diameter classes that contributed to total FB of stands of different seral stages and species composition. Significant differences among estimates of FB from different algorithms show the need for consistent methods for estimating FB for carbon accounting, tests of the sensitivity of ecosystem models to these differences, and more field observations to compare algorithms.

Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests
Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests

Author: James K Agee

Publisher:

Published: 1993-11

Total Pages: 520

ISBN-13:

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A leading expert in the emerging field of fire ecology, James Agee analyzes the ecological role of fire in the creation and maintenance of the natural forests common to most of the western U.S. In addition to examining fire from an ecological perspective, he provides insight into its historical and cultural aspects, and also touches on some of the political issues that influence the use of fire. Although the focus of chapters on the ecology of specific forest zones is on the Pacific Northwest, much of the book addresses issues that are applicable to other regions. Illustrations, tables, index.

Valuing Chaparral
Valuing Chaparral

Author: Emma C. Underwood

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-04-09

Total Pages: 483

ISBN-13: 3319683039

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Chaparral shrubland ecosystems are an iconic feature of the California landscape, and a highly biodiverse yet highly flammable backdrop to some of the fastest growing urban areas in the United States. Chaparral-type ecosystems are a common element of all of the world’s Mediterranean-type climate regions – of which California is one – yet there is little public appreciation of the intrinsic value and the ecosystem services that these landscapes provide. Valuing Chaparral is a compendium of contributions from experts in chaparral ecology and management, with a focus on the human relationship with chaparral ecosystems. Chapters cover a wide variety of subjects, ranging from biodiversity to ecosystem services like water provision, erosion control, carbon sequestration and recreation; from the history of human interactions with chaparral to current education and conservation efforts; and from chaparral restoration and management to scenarios of the future under changing climate, land use, and human population. Valuing Chaparral will be of interest to resource managers, the research community, policy makers, and the public who live and work in the chaparral dominated landscapes of California and other Mediterranean-type climate regions.