Employing of randomized branch sampling method for estimation of above-ground biomass of oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.)

Estimates of tree biomass are useful in assessing forest structure and condition, forest productivity, and carbon stocks. On the other hand, investigating the sequestration of carbon in biomass components including wood, leaves, and branches is considered as a useful indicator of site productivity. Although measuring actual tree biomass directly in the field is undoubtedly the most accurate method, it is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and destructive. Therefore application of non-destructive and indirect procedure is important. In this research, randomized branch sampling method was used for estimating above-ground biomass of Quercus brantii Lindl in Chaharmahal andBakhtiariProvince. For this purpose, 30 trees including 16 individuals with single stem and 14 coppice shoots were randomly selected. Quantitative and qualitative traits and tree branches were measured. Then, actual biomass was measured by weighting all tree components and biomass was estimated by randomized branch sampling method. Actual and estimated biomass was compared by paired t–test. The results showed that there is no significant difference between the amount of actual and estimated biomass in different parts of individuals with single stem and coppice shoots. Also, randomized branch sampling method is unbiased procedure in biomass estimation. Although RMSE (%) was high especially in leaf, branch, secondary branch and main branch versus canopy and total. The results showed that randomized branch sampling can be considered as an accurate method for estimating tree biomass.