Allometric equations for predicting aboveground biomass of beech-hornbeam standsin the Hyrcanian forests of Iran

Researchers developed accurate allometric equations to predict aboveground biomass in beech-hornbeam stands of Iran's Hyrcanian Forests, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site. Using diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and wood density as input variables, the model achieved a precision of 10.3% average deviation (R²adj = 0.965) when all three were combined. Notably, DBH alone explained 68% of the observed biomass variation, while adding height slightly improved accuracy. Wood density did not significantly enhance predictions. This study provides the first biomass prediction model for these forests, offering a tool to assess carbon storage and support conservation efforts.

Vahedi, A. A., Mataji, A., Babayi-Kafaki, S., Eshaghi-Rad, J., Hodjati, S. M., & Djomo, A. (2014). Allometric equations for predicting aboveground biomass of beech-hornbeam standsin the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Journal of Forest Science, 60(6), 236–247. https://doi.org/10.17221/39/2014-jfs