Abstract
Allometric relationships are powerful tools for estimating biomasses of forest components. However, these relationships are specific to forest types and tree species. In addition, laborious field work is needed to obtain the necessary data. There is a need for common equations based on some biological laws that can be applied to various types of forest stands. In this study, we used the pipe model theory and the static model of plant form to establish common allometric equations for estimating above-ground and root biomasses of trees in cool-temperate forests of Japan. We sampled 22 species (157 individuals, maximum DBH=61.9 cm) for above-ground biomass and 13 species (33 individuals, DBH=72.3 cm) for root biomass. The relative errors of estimation of the common equations were 12.59 and 17.67% for above-ground and root biomass, respectively, which were less than for the conventional allometric equations (18.62 and 22.25%, respectively). The new allometric equations can potentially be used as powerful and nondestructive tools for estimating biomass in cool temperate forests of Japan.
