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Forests
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Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition
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Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Ecology and Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6197

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andrzej Węgiel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
Interests: forest management; biomass estimation; forest inventory; remote sensing; forest ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Adrian Łukowski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland
Interests: silviculture ecophysiology; game management; plant–insect interactions; shrub species; particulate matter pollution; climate change and forestry; invasive species; social dimensions of forestry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of our previous Special Issues, “Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems” (https://www.mdpi.com/si/103181) and “Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 2nd Edition” (https://www.mdpi.com/si/163200).

Forest biomass and carbon are key elements in the development of climate change mitigation strategies. Due to the growing demand for renewable energy, there is also a growing interest in the wider use of forest biomass for energy as a possible substitute for fossil fuels. The use of woody biomass as an energy source can make a significant contribution to mitigating climate change. Forest biomass estimation is also important in the evaluation of carbon sequestration and the carbon balance capacity of forest ecosystems. Forests, being the most important carbon sink, are a good tool for reducing the carbon content of the atmosphere. Estimating the amount of carbon stored by forests is essential to support climate change mitigation and promote the transition to a low-carbon-emission economy.

This Special Issue aims to present updated knowledge relating to biomass estimation and carbon storage in forest ecosystems. The topics will include:

  • Advanced methods for forest biomass modeling, mapping, and estimation;
  • Linking field and remote sensing measurements;
  • Biomass components of forest ecosystems: tree compartments, vegetation, fungi, bacteria, soil fauna, etc.;
  • Modeling growth and biomass production;
  • Effects of forest management practices on biomass allocation;
  • Forest biomass utilization;
  • Factors influencing carbon and nutrient storage.

Dr. Andrzej Węgiel
Dr. Adrian Łukowski
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomass allocation
  • allometric equations
  • growth models
  • biomass expansion factors
  • remote sensing
  • bioenergy
  • carbon and nutrient storage
  • ecosystem biodiversity
  • soil productivity
  • forest management

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 2803 KiB  
Article
Allometric Models for Estimating Biomass and Carbon Stocks in Natural and Homestead Highland Bamboo Stands in the Sidama Region, Ethiopia
by Dagnew Yebeyen Burru, Jayaraman Durai, Melaku Anteneh Chinke, Gudeta W. Sileshi, Yashwant S. Rawat, Belachew Gizachew, Selim Reza, Fikremariam Haile Desalegne and Kassa Toshe Worassa
Forests 2025, 16(4), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040701 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 257
Abstract
Highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) plays a vital role in supporting local livelihoods, fostering biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. Despite these benefits, its significant potential for carbon sequestration remains underutilized within Ethiopia’s climate mitigation strategies. In this study, we developed site-specific [...] Read more.
Highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina) plays a vital role in supporting local livelihoods, fostering biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management. Despite these benefits, its significant potential for carbon sequestration remains underutilized within Ethiopia’s climate mitigation strategies. In this study, we developed site-specific allometric equations to assess the biomass and carbon storage potential of highland bamboo. Data were collected from the Garamba natural bamboo forest and Hula homestead bamboo stands in the Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. Data on stand density and structure were gathered using systematically laid transects and sample plots, while plant samples were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the dry-to-fresh weight ratios. We developed allometric models to estimate the aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock. The study results indicated that homestead bamboo stands exhibited higher biomass accumulation than natural bamboo stands. The AGB was estimated at 92.3 Mg ha⁻1 in the natural forest and 118.3 Mg ha⁻1 in homestead bamboo stands, with total biomass carbon storage of 52.1 Mg ha⁻1 and 66.7 Mg ha⁻1, respectively. The findings highlight the significant potential of highland bamboo for carbon sequestration in both natural stands and homesteads. Sustainable management of natural highland bamboo stands and integrating bamboo into farms can contribute to climate change mitigation, support ecosystem restoration, and enhance the socio-economic development of communities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition)
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10 pages, 7283 KiB  
Article
Predicting Timber Board Foot Volume Using Forest Landscape Model and Allometric Equations Integrating Forest Inventory Data
by Justin Dijak, Hong He and Jacob Fraser
Forests 2025, 16(3), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16030543 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 199
Abstract
In this study, we present a methodology for predicting timber board foot volume using a forest landscape model, incorporating allometric equations and forest inventory data. The research focuses on the Ozark Plateau, a 48,000-square-mile region characterized by productive soils and varied precipitation. To [...] Read more.
In this study, we present a methodology for predicting timber board foot volume using a forest landscape model, incorporating allometric equations and forest inventory data. The research focuses on the Ozark Plateau, a 48,000-square-mile region characterized by productive soils and varied precipitation. To simulate timber volume, we used the LANDIS PRO forest landscape model, initialized with forest composition data derived from the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots. The model accounted for species-specific growth rates and was run from the year 2000 to 2100 at five-year intervals. Timber volume estimates were calculated using both quadratic mean diameter (QMD) and tree diameter in the Hahn and Hansen board foot volume equation. These estimates were compared across different forest types—deciduous, coniferous, and mixed stands—and verified against FIA plot data using a paired permutation test. Results showed high correlations between QMD and tree diameter methods, with a slightly lower volume estimate from the QMD approach. Projections indicate significant increases in board foot volume for key species groups such as red oak and white oak while showing declines toward the end of the model period in groups like shortleaf pine due to age-related mortality and regeneration challenges. The model’s estimates closely align with state-level FIA data, underscoring the effectiveness of the integrated approach. The study highlights the utility of integrating landscape models and forest inventory data to predict timber volume over time, offering valuable insights for forest management and policy planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 2762 KiB  
Article
Potential Reductions in Carbon Emissions from Indonesian Forest Concessions Through Use of Reduced-Impact Logging Practices
by Hermudananto, Ethan P. Belair, Hasbie Hasbillah, Peter W. Ellis, Ruslandi and Francis E. Putz
Forests 2024, 15(12), 2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122198 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 815
Abstract
To estimate the potential and realized carbon emission reductions from implementation of reduced-impact logging (RIL) in Indonesia, we compiled logging emissions data from 15 concessions in Kalimantan and 10 from the Papuan provinces. Committed emissions data were collected for harvested timber as well [...] Read more.
To estimate the potential and realized carbon emission reductions from implementation of reduced-impact logging (RIL) in Indonesia, we compiled logging emissions data from 15 concessions in Kalimantan and 10 from the Papuan provinces. Committed emissions data were collected for harvested timber as well as from collateral damage caused by felling, skidding, and clearing for haul roads and log yards. Emissions expressed as mean ± standard error per cubic meter of timber harvested, per area harvested, and per Mg of timber harvested (i.e., the ‘Carbon Impact Factor’) were 1.30 ± 0.15 Mg C m−3, 27.52 ± 4.44 Mg C ha−1, and 6.88 ± 0.84 Mg Mg−1, respectively. Among the sampled concessions, felling, hauling, and skidding caused 18–86%, 2–48%, and 6–75% of these emissions, respectively. Potential emission reductions calculated as the difference between observed emissions and those of the five best-performing concessions are 0.67 ± 0.15 Mg C m−3, 21.11 ± 4.38 Mg C ha−1, and 4.20 ± 0.83 Mg Mg−1, which represents reductions of 51%, 76%, and 61%, respectively. Extrapolating these estimates to all of Indonesia using average log production data from 2018 to 2021 results in an estimated annual emissions reduction of 14.47 Tg CO2 from full adoption of RIL, which is 2.9% of Indonesia’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) from the forestry sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 3712 KiB  
Article
Root Biomass Allocation and Carbon Sequestration in Urban Landscaping Tree Species in South Korea
by Tae Kyung Yoon, Seungmin Lee, Seonghun Lee, Jeong-Min Lee, Yowhan Son and Sangjin Lee
Forests 2024, 15(12), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122104 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 986
Abstract
The quantification of urban tree biomass allocation has primarily relied on estimations using allometric equations (AEs) developed for nondestructive harvest methods. However, the lack of harvest-based AEs that account for belowground biomass, nutrient concentration, and annual growth rates poses challenges in accurately quantifying [...] Read more.
The quantification of urban tree biomass allocation has primarily relied on estimations using allometric equations (AEs) developed for nondestructive harvest methods. However, the lack of harvest-based AEs that account for belowground biomass, nutrient concentration, and annual growth rates poses challenges in accurately quantifying the greenhouse gas inventory for urban land uses. In this study, we aimed to develop AEs using a log-transformed linear model for eight urban landscaping tree species, taking into account belowground biomass. We purchased 117 urban landscaping trees from tree farms in South Korea and investigated their biomass fractions, carbon and nutrient concentrations, and annual growth rate using a destructive method. We also developed AEs for different tree compartments using diameter at breast height as an independent variable. The AEs obtained exhibited high suitability, as evidenced by their high R2 values (0.853–0.982 and 0.806–0.923 for aboveground and belowground biomass, respectively). The mean belowground biomass fraction across the different species was approximately 30%, suggesting that urban trees could allocate more belowground biomass than forest trees. Conversely, carbon and nitrogen concentrations varied significantly across species and compartments, and the mean annual carbon sequestration rate was 3.96 kg C year−1 tree−1. Therefore, the application of the AEs for urban trees may enhance the accuracy of the national greenhouse gas inventory for the settlement sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition)
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25 pages, 4889 KiB  
Article
Biomass Production and Nutritional Sustainability in Different Species of African Mahogany
by Gabriel Soares Lopes Gomes, Marcos Vinicius Winckler Caldeira, Robert Gomes, Victor Braga Rodrigues Duarte, Dione Richer Momolli, Júlio Cézar Tannure Faria, Tiago de Oliveira Godinho, Paulo André Trazzi, Laio Silva Sobrinho, Silvio Nolasco de Oliveira Neto and Mauro Valdir Schumacher
Forests 2024, 15(11), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15111951 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1093
Abstract
Wood from reforestation gains market value due to its sustainable and legal origin. Planted forests in Brazil play a crucial role in economic, social and environmental aspects, with Eucalyptus and Pinus dominating the timber sector. However, non-majority species, such as those of the [...] Read more.
Wood from reforestation gains market value due to its sustainable and legal origin. Planted forests in Brazil play a crucial role in economic, social and environmental aspects, with Eucalyptus and Pinus dominating the timber sector. However, non-majority species, such as those of the Khaya genus, have attracted great commercial interest due to the quality of their wood, being seen as an alternative to Brazilian mahogany. This study aimed to evaluate the biomass production of Khaya spp. stands and the nutrient uptake impacts in different harvesting scenarios. The research area is in Reserva Natural Vale (RNV) in Sooretama, Espírito Santo state, Brazil. The study was conducted 9.5 years after the planting of the Khaya spp. monoculture at a spacing of five m × five m, and the base fertilization consisted of 150 g of yoorin thermophosphate and 15 g of FTE BR 12 per seedling. The seedlings were of seminal origin, coming from different regions of Brazil and corresponding to three species: Kkaya grandifoliola C.DC (Belém-PA), Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (Linhares-ES) and Khaya senegalensis A. Juss. (Poranguatu-GO). K. senegalensis exhibited the highest percentage of bark, while K. ivorensis was found to have the highest percentage of leaves. The biomass of the stems and branches did not vary by species. The relative biomass proportions had the following order: branches > stems > bark > leaves. The stocks of Ca and Mg were higher for K. grandifoliola, exceeding those for K. senegalensis (22.1%) for Ca and for K. ivorensis (42.3%) for Mg. The lowest nutrient uptake occurred in the scenario in which only the stem was removed, with averages of 44.17, 10.43, 21.93, 52.59 and 9.97 kg ha−1 for N, P, K, Ca and Mg, respectively. Compared to total biomass harvesting, this represents a reduction in export levels by 91.34% for N, 79.31% for P, 94.66% for K, 94.29% for Ca and 93.28% for Mg. The nutrient uptake assessment demonstrated that more conservative harvest scenarios resulted in lower nutrient losses, indicating the importance of forest management practices that prioritize soil and nutrient conservation. In summary, the findings of this study provide a solid basis for the sustainable management of Khaya spp., highlighting implications for productivity and nutrient dynamics on a small or medium scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition)
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18 pages, 4032 KiB  
Article
Stem Longitudinal Gradient for Basic Density, Carbon, Nitrogen, and CN Ratio in Khaya spp.: Improved Correlation Using Diameter Instead of Commercial Height
by Dione Richer Momolli, Marcos Vinicius Winckler Caldeira, Gabriel Soares Lopes Gomes, Robert Gomes, Victor Braga Rodrigues Duarte, Tiago de Oliveira Godinho, João Gabriel Missia da Silva, Vaniele Bento dos Santos, Graziela Baptista Vidaurre, Júlio Cézar Tannure Faria, Mauro Valdir Schumacher and Marcos Gervasio Pereira
Forests 2024, 15(11), 1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15111923 - 31 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1132
Abstract
The basic wood density influences the carbon stock, playing a crucial role in climate-changing global mitigation through carbon sequestration. Understanding wood carbon release depends on the Nitrogen assessment and CN ratio. Therefore, our research aimed to: (i) Compare basic density, organic carbon, nitrogen, [...] Read more.
The basic wood density influences the carbon stock, playing a crucial role in climate-changing global mitigation through carbon sequestration. Understanding wood carbon release depends on the Nitrogen assessment and CN ratio. Therefore, our research aimed to: (i) Compare basic density, organic carbon, nitrogen, and C/N ratio among the Khaya grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, and K. senegalensis; (2) Analyze the gradient along positions and diameter of the commercial stem; (3) Recommend the most representative sampling position for each species based on the diameter. The experimental area is located in Southeastern Brazil. Twelve average-diameter trees per species were cut down, and wood disc samples were collected at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% commercial height. Our results show statistical differences in wood basic density among the species, and K. senegalensis has the highest basic density, 592 kg m3. There was no statistical difference in organic carbon between species and along the stem. Stem diameter instead of commercial height improved the variable studied, confirming the research hypothesis. Sampling at 17% of the commercial height, ranging to 18–22 cm stem diameters, is recommended for greater representativeness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 6620 KiB  
Article
Both Biotic and Abiotic Factors Shape the Spatial Distribution of Aboveground Biomass in a Tropical Karst Seasonal Rainforest in South China
by Fang Lu, Bin Wang, Jianxing Li, Dongxing Li, Shengyuan Liu, Yili Guo, Fuzhao Huang, Wusheng Xiang and Xiankun Li
Forests 2024, 15(11), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15111904 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Forest biomass accumulation is fundamental to ecosystem stability, material cycling, and energy flow, and pit lays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Understanding the factors influencing aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for exploring ecosystem functioning mechanisms, restoring degraded forests, and estimating carbon [...] Read more.
Forest biomass accumulation is fundamental to ecosystem stability, material cycling, and energy flow, and pit lays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Understanding the factors influencing aboveground biomass (AGB) is essential for exploring ecosystem functioning mechanisms, restoring degraded forests, and estimating carbon balance in forest communities. Tropical karst seasonal rainforests are species-rich and heterogeneous, yet the impact mechanisms of biotic and abiotic factors on AGB remain incompletely understood. Based on the survey data of a 15 ha monitoring plot in a karst seasonal rainforest in Southern China, this study explores the distribution characteristics of AGB and its intrinsic correlation with different influencing factors. The results show that the average AGB of the plot is 125.7 Mg/ha, with notable variations among habitats, peaking in hillside habitats. Trees with medium and large diameters at breast height (DBH ≥ 10 cm) account for 83.94% of the aboveground biomass (AGB) and are its primary contributors; dominant tree species exhibit higher AGB values. Both biotic and abiotic elements substantially influence AGB, with biotic factors exhibiting the largest influence. Among abiotic factors, topographic factors have a strong direct or indirect influence on AGB, while soil physicochemical properties have the smallest indirect impact. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of AGB distribution and its influencing factors in tropical karst forests (KFs), contributing to the management of carbon sinks in these ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Estimation and Carbon Stocks in Forest Ecosystems: 3rd Edition)
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