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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (3): 211-222.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20250455

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Aboveground Biomass Models for Young Pinus elliottii Plantations Based on Various Growth Factors

Xiahui Hua1,2,Xianyin Ding1,Shaoze Wu1,Qinyun Huang1,3,Shu Diao1,Yadi Wu1,Qifu Luan1,*()   

  1. 1. Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Tree Breeding Hangzhou 31140
    2. College of Forestry and Grass/College of Soil and Water Conservation, Nanjing Forestry University Nanjing 210037
    3. College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University Harbin 150040
  • Received:2025-07-26 Revised:2025-12-12 Online:2026-03-15 Published:2026-03-12
  • Contact: Qifu Luan E-mail:qifu.luan@caf.ac.cn

Abstract:

Objective: This study aims to assess the impact of incorporating individual tree-specific traits into allometric growth equations for young Pinus elliottii (slash pine) plantations on model performance, and to develop a power-type biomass model suitable for estimating aboveground biomass (AGB) of the young slash pine, achieving precise, rapid, and efficient biomass prediction. Method: A total of 170 sample trees from a 4-year-old slash pine plantation were selected, and the AGB of various organs was determined through complete harvest method to analyze biomass allocation patterns. Different growth factors were used as predictive independent variables to construct power-function-based biomass models for total AGB, stems, branches, and needles. The performance of these models was then comprehensively evaluated. Result: Among the biomass models based on stem diameters measured at different heights above ground, the fitting performance followed the order: diameter at breast height (DBH) > ground diameter > diameter at 1.0 m height > diameter at 1.5 m height. The ternary biomass model (W=aDBHbHcρd, where a, b, c, and d are coefficients), which incorporated the optimal growth factors of measured tree height (H), DBH, and wood density (ρ) as predictive variables, achieved the highest accuracy for estimating aboveground and stem biomass (R2 = 0.864 and 0.839, and RMSE = 1.107 and 0.541, respectively). In contrast, the model W=aDBHbHecAcd, incorporating UAV-estimated tree height (He), UAV-derived crown projection area (Ac), and DBH, provided the most accurate estimates for branch and needle biomass. The model achieved high accuracy, with R2 values of 0.670 and 0.778, and RMSE values of 0.410 and 0.536 for branch and needle biomass, respectively. Conclusion: Incorporating tree-specific traits into allometric equations can significantly enhance the accuracy of biomass estimation in young slash pine plantations. The ternary biomass model constructed based on optimal growth factors is a reliable tool for rapid and accurate assessment of biomass in 4-year-old slash pine plantations in Zhejiang Province.

Key words: biomass, Pinus elliottii, allometric equations, tree-specific traits, prediction model

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