Review on biomass and stem volume equations for European tree species

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ANNUAL REPORT 2005

Core Values, Vision,     
Mission   
Strategic objectives   
Metla   
Reviews   
Forest-based      
entrepreneurship and      
forest environment      
models and databanks   
Forest ecosystems and     
social significance     
of forests   
Doctoral theses   
Events and seminars   
New projects   
Publications   
Resources   
New appointments   
Organization   

Metla has produced a review of biomass and stem volume equations based on breast-height diameter and/or tree height for European tree species. The equations are used in, for example, mapping forest resources and studying energy and nutrition flows in ecosystems. Stand biomass assessment methods are also needed as tools to calculate the forest carbon stock balance as required by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN FCCC).

This review is the first of its kind in Europe. Biomass equations, 607 altogether, are presented for 39 different tree species. The majority of them are intended for predicting above-ground biomass components of trees, particularly branches and leaves. The review contains a total of 230 equations applicable to predicting stem volume for 55 different tree species. The majority of biomass equations have been developed in northern and central Europe; only 82 equations are derived from southern Europe.

Additional information: www.metla.fi/hanke/3399/index-en.htm

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