Examples of metrization and prediction of pine stands biomass in Poland

In the article there are presented examples of metrication of stands biomass with a predominance of pine (Pinus sylvestris L), such as: hand-held measuring of trees biomass in the forest; average data for forest compartments, selected from the Computer System of State Forests; data from hemispheric photos; data from Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Aerial Laser Scanning (ALS). Collected and measured data was inserted into the FORKOME model, which predicted the biomass dynamics of pine stands for the period of 100 years. Key words: biomass, pine stands, metrication, prediction.

What potential customers are telling us: Organizational buyer attitudes towards forest biomass

This paper reports on a study of organizational buyer attitudes towards forest biomass energy for use in heating systems.This topic warrants discussion as global energy needs grow and the Canadian forestry sector experiences economic challenges.In particular, heating systems are an appropriate introductory application for solid forest biomass because it representsan efficient and sustainable fuel use. The attitudes of organizational buyers are assessed and compared against theperceived level of importance for attitudinal items and the views held toward fossil fuels. The results demonstrate that forestbiomass is viewed favourably on environmental aspects and on some other attitudinal items of high importance. Managerialsuggestions are forwarded to guide the burgeoning sector in its attempt to build awareness and strengthen its perceivedimage among organizational buyers. Key words: biomass, biomass fuel, attitudes of organizational buyers, biomass as an alternative heat and energy source

Characterization of fitness traits in thickspike wheatgrass

Poor seed production and stand establishment are limitations to the use of thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Gould] in rangeland re-vegetation projects. This study assessed the heritability of seed production, rhizome proliferation, and biomass production and genotypic correlations among these traits in a population of half-sib thickspike wheatgrass families at a site near Nephi, UT, USA during 2005 and 2006. Heritability estimates were ~ 0.6 for seed production and rhizome spread, but non-significant for biomass production. Genotypic correlations among the traits were all low or non-significant. Key words: Biomass production, genotypic correlation, heritability, rhizome, seed production, thickspike wheatgrass

Population dynamics of willow coppice systems and their implications for management of short-rotation forests

Spacing, length of rotation and clonal composition of Salix coppice systems determine the degree of within-stand competition and thereby the dynamics of the populations. Three general effects of competition are identified and their dependence on planting design and management is illustrated. (1) The dependence of yield on initial planting density disappears at higher densities and becomes weaker at low densities in later rotations. (2) The development of a competitive hierarchy between stools is reflected by a temporal increase of skewness and relative variation in weight frequency distributions. (3) Mortality of stools due to self-thinning is enhanced by high planting density and longer cutting cycles. Furthermore, the relative performance of clones in a mixture cannot be predicted from their performance in pure stands. Key words: Biomass production, Clone mixture, Competition, Rotation length, Salix, Self-thinning, Spacing, Willow coppice

Deploying genotypes in short-rotation plantations: Mixtures and pure cultures of clones and species

This article discusses factors to be considered when choosing among alternative deployment options for species and clones in short-rotation plantations. Several examples of pure and mixed culture are presented and potential benefits and problems are described. The article is based on a paper presented to the International Energy Agency's Committee on Biomass Production Systems which met in conjunction with the International Poplar Commission at Zaragoza, Spain, in September 1992. Key words: biomass, intensive culture, productivity, nitrogen fixation, hazards, silviculture, operational considerations, hybrids, Populus, Alnus, Eucalyptus, Albizia.

Biomass estimation of Bambusa nutans subspecies cupulata grown at Eastern Terai, Nepal

With a view to prepare biomass table of Bambusa nutans subspecies cupulata grown at Belbari, Morang district of Eastern Terai, a total of 150 culms were selected from nintyeight clumps. Measurements of Diameter at 15 cm of the base (D15), vertical height of the culm and green weight of the culm, branches and foliage were taken in the field. The sampled green weight was oven dried in Kathmandu. To estimate the biomass, regression model was developed on the basis of oven dry and green weight. The model used was W = a + b * (D2L). Based on the oven dry weight, the R2 values obtained for culm, branch and foliage components were 90, 82 and 73 per cent respectively. Similarly, R2 values for culm and foliage components on the basis of green weight were 90 and 73 per cent respectively. The R2 values obtained for branch and foliage components were slightly lower as compared to the culm. The validity is to be done before applying this equation to different site conditions. Key words: Biomass, bamboo, Bambusa nutans subspecies cupulata, Nepal Banko Janakari Vol.15(2) 2005 pp34-37

Biomass estimation of Dendrocalamus hookeri grown at Far-western Terai, Nepal

With a view to prepare biomass table of Dendrocalamus hookeri grown at Jhanjhatpur, Kailali district of Far-western Terai, a total of 152 culms were selected from forty-three clumps. Measurements of Diameter at 15 cm of the base (D15), vertical height of the culm and green weight of the culm, branches and foliage were taken in the field. The sampled green weight was oven dried in Kathmandu. To estimate the biomass, regression model was developed on the basis of oven dry and green weight. The model used was W = a + b * (D2L). Based on the oven dry weight, the R2 values obtained for culm, branch and foliage components were 94, 81.5 and 80 per cent respectively. Similarly, R2 values for culm and foliage components on the basis of green weight were 97 and 80 per cent respectively. The R2 values obtained for branch and foliage components were slightly lower as compared to the culm. The validity is to be done before applying this equation to different site conditions. Key words: Biomass; bamboo; Dendrocalamus hookeri; Nepal Banko Janakari Vol.16(2) 2006 pp.12-16