Predictive Equations for Biomass and Fuel Characteristics of Argentine Shrubs

摘要: Predictive equations for estimating shrub biomass in semi-arid scrub ecosystems are essential evaluating encroachment, conducting ecosystem-level studies of net primary productivity (NPP) and nutrient cycling, examining effects different fire regimes. In this study, we developed predictive to estimate total aboveground foliage stems the 8 most common shrubs (Monte) central Argentina. We also examined relationship between size proportions these components dominant species, Larrea divaricata Cavanilles (creosotebush), determined fuel characteristics (dead-to-live ratio, bulk density) species. Regression analyses were used examine relationships 5 field measurements (diameter longest stem, height, maximum crown width, width at right angles volume). A natural log-log model based on a single variable best described cases. The easiest measurement 6 species was diameter measure often predictor biomass. As L. increased size, proportional large increased, bio mass small decreased. This pattern suggests pro ductivity may decrease with age. dead material low Bulk densities comparable those other ecosystems. Equations here will allow rapid accurate estimation Monte