Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 7.4 DBH data and allometric parameters for selected trees
Dbh (cm) of individuals
Allometric parameters
Species
1
2
3
4
5
6
a
b
Fagus grandifolia
43
28
33
27
26
31
0.0842
2.5715
Carya laciniosa
24
26
18
0.0792
2.6349
Acer rubrum
15
23
28
25
19
0.0910
2.5080
Quercus rubra
36
31
25
22
0.1130
2.4572
Quercus alba
19
36
34
29
0.0579
2.6887
concentrations. The standard deviation from a single standard concentration can
be used to determine the MDL. However, the standard deviation is sometimes
estimated from measurements made at a minimum of three levels (low, mid-range
and high range) of standards. The value for the method standard deviation is
calculated by plotting the standard deviation vs. concentration for the different
concentrations. The method standard deviation is extrapolated from the curve, the
value of the standard deviation as the concentration goes to zero. Plot the calculated
standard deviations of the control standards versus concentration and determine the
new MDL from the extrapolated SD. See
Quality Control and Detection Limits
for
the required equations.
Classroom Exercise 3: Estimating Tree Biomass
Using Allometric Equations
aD
b
, where
M
is
the oven-dry weight of the biomass component of a tree (kg),
D
is diameter at breast
height (DBH) (cm), and
a
and
b
are parameters unique to each species. The
allometric parameters can be derived experimentally or selected from the literature.
A field investigation of a small wetland revealed 22 trees representing five
species. Diameter breast height for each individual and allometric parameters for
each species are presented in Table
7.4
. The allometric parameters are for total
aboveground biomass (Brenneman et al. 1978). Based on the data in Table
7.4
,
determine the total aboveground biomass for the tree stratum in the plot.
Tree biomass can be calculated using the allometric equation,
M
ΒΌ
Reference
Brenneman BB, Frederick DJ, Gardner WE, Schoenhofen LH, Marsh PL (1978) Biomass of
species and stands of West Virginia hardwoods. In: Pope PE (ed) Proceedings of Central
Hardwood Forest Conference II. Purdue University, West LaFayette, pp 159-178
