Iranian Society of Forestry Iranian Journal of Forest 2008-6113 17 4 2026 02 20 Allometric Equations for Leaf Carbon Sequestration and Leaf Area Index in Anagyris foetida L.: Implications for Conservation in Zagros Forests Allometric Equations for Leaf Carbon Sequestration and Leaf Area Index in Anagyris foetida L.: Implications for Conservation in Zagros Forests 597 610 243810 10.22034/ijf.2026.547702.2072 FA Ali Mahdavi Prof., Dept. of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ilam University, P.O. Box, 69391-77111, Ilam, I.R. Iran. 0000-0002-5867-3457 Eham Parvaneh 2Assisstant Prof., Dept. of Statistics and Mathematics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Ilam University, P.O. Box, 69391-77111, Ilam, I.R Iran. Mehdi Omidi Assisstant Prof., Dept. of Statistics and Mathematics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Ilam University, P.O. Box, 69391-77111, Ilam, I.R Iran. Journal Article 2025 08 25 Zagros forests play a significant role in carbon sequestration; however, the contribution of rare species such as <em>Anagyris foetida</em> L. (Ghareh Ghaj)—with unique traits such as thick leaves and summer dormancy—has been less studied. This research developed, for the first time, species-specific allometric models for this endangered tree to provide a non-destructive estimation of leaf carbon storage and LAI¹. The study was conducted in the pure habitat of the species within the Sardasir Chaleh basin (Gilan-e-Gharb). Using systematic line sampling, 30 healthy trees were selected, and biometric parameters (height, crown diameter, and crown area) were measured. Leaf samples were collected from three crown sections and analyzed in the laboratory to determine dry biomass (gravimetric method), organic carbon percentage (combustion in a furnace), and leaf area (leaf area meter). LAI and SLA²were calculated and scaled up to the forest stand level using the "Mean Tree" method and a density of 253 trees per hectare. Allometric relationships were analyzed using linear, logarithmic, and power regression models. Results showed that mean LCS³, CO₂ uptake, and leaf dry biomass per hectare were 468.13 kg of carbon, 1718.03 kg, and 975.27 kg, respectively. The average LAI at the individual-tree and per-hectare levels was 1.6 and 0.302, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed a strong and significant correlation between crown area and both leaf biomass and LCS, with the linear model based on crown area providing the best fit for predicting LCS (R² = 0.719). In contrast, LAI was only significantly correlated with leaf dry biomass. Overall, the results indicate that, despite its prolonged dormancy period, this species contributes considerably to leaf carbon storage in Zagros forests due to its relatively high density and distinct crown architecture. The simple, crown area-based models presented offer a practical and cost-effective tool for carbon monitoring, ecosystem service valuation, and the development of conservation strategies for this endangered species and similar Mediterranean ecosystems, representing a significant step toward sustainable forest management. Zagros forests play a significant role in carbon sequestration; however, the contribution of rare species such as <em>Anagyris foetida</em> L. (Ghareh Ghaj)—with unique traits such as thick leaves and summer dormancy—has been less studied. This research developed, for the first time, species-specific allometric models for this endangered tree to provide a non-destructive estimation of leaf carbon storage and LAI¹. The study was conducted in the pure habitat of the species within the Sardasir Chaleh basin (Gilan-e-Gharb). Using systematic line sampling, 30 healthy trees were selected, and biometric parameters (height, crown diameter, and crown area) were measured. Leaf samples were collected from three crown sections and analyzed in the laboratory to determine dry biomass (gravimetric method), organic carbon percentage (combustion in a furnace), and leaf area (leaf area meter). LAI and SLA²were calculated and scaled up to the forest stand level using the "Mean Tree" method and a density of 253 trees per hectare. Allometric relationships were analyzed using linear, logarithmic, and power regression models. Results showed that mean LCS³, CO₂ uptake, and leaf dry biomass per hectare were 468.13 kg of carbon, 1718.03 kg, and 975.27 kg, respectively. The average LAI at the individual-tree and per-hectare levels was 1.6 and 0.302, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed a strong and significant correlation between crown area and both leaf biomass and LCS, with the linear model based on crown area providing the best fit for predicting LCS (R² = 0.719). In contrast, LAI was only significantly correlated with leaf dry biomass. Overall, the results indicate that, despite its prolonged dormancy period, this species contributes considerably to leaf carbon storage in Zagros forests due to its relatively high density and distinct crown architecture. The simple, crown area-based models presented offer a practical and cost-effective tool for carbon monitoring, ecosystem service valuation, and the development of conservation strategies for this endangered species and similar Mediterranean ecosystems, representing a significant step toward sustainable forest management. https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_243810_2dd654c9b596ce9a7ee01871ef35b23a.pdf