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Abstract Here we present aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates from individual tree diameters scaled to whole‐tree biomass estimates using generalized allometric equations for 35 National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) sites within the United States and Puerto Rico. These data are in both a standalone data file made publicly available via Figshare and as an R data package (NEONForestAGB) that allows for direct import of data into the R statistical computing environment. AGB is an Essential Climate Variable (ECV), yet biomass estimation from large forest inventory data can be cumbersome. Here we seek to provide a useful data set for community use from NEON data. The data set includes 92,281 unique individuals of 478 different species from 1,216 terrestrial observation plots for 360,570 biomass estimates between the years 2014 and 2023.
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Allometric Relationships for Predicting Aboveground Biomass, Sapwood, and Leaf Area of Two-Needle Piñon Pine ( Pinus edulis ) Amid Open-Grown Conditions in Central New Mexico
Abstract Pinus edulis Engelm. is a short-stature, drought-tolerant tree species that is abundant in piñon-juniper woodlands throughout semiarid ecosystems of the American Southwest. P. edulis is a model species among ecophysiological disciplines, with considerable research focus given to hydraulic functioning and carbon partitioning relating to mechanisms of tree mortality. Many ecological studies require robust estimates of tree structural traits such as biomass, active sapwood area, and leaf area. We harvested twenty trees from Central New Mexico ranging in size from 1.3 to 22.7 cm root crown diameter (RCD) to derive allometric relationships from measurements of RCD, maximum height, canopy area (CA), aboveground biomass (AGB), sapwood area (AS), and leaf area (AL). Total foliar mass was measured from a subset of individuals and scaled to AL from estimates of leaf mass per area. We report a strong nonlinear relationship to AGB as a function of both RCD and height, whereas CA scaled linearly. Total AS expressed a power relationship with RCD. Both AS and CA exhibited strong linear relationships with AL (R2 = 0.99), whereas RCD increased nonlinearly with AL. We improve on current models by expanding the size range of sampled trees and supplement the existing literature for this species. Study Implications: Land managers need to better understand carbon and water dynamics in changing ecosystems to understand how those ecosystems can be sustainably used now and in the future. This study of two-needle pinon (Pinus edulis Engelm.) trees in New Mexico, USA, uses observations from unoccupied aerial vehicles, field measurements, and harvesting followed by laboratory analysis to develop allometric models for this widespread species. These models can be used to understand plant traits such biomass partitioning and sap flow, which in turn will help scientists and land managers better understand the ecosystem services provided by pinon pine across North America.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1655499
- PAR ID:
- 10474600
- Publisher / Repository:
- Springer Science + Business Media
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Forest Science
- Volume:
- 68
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 0015-749X
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: p. 152-161
- Size(s):
- p. 152-161
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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