12.6.1 Destructive Sampling-Based Biomass Estimation

Estimating the total biomass in forest ecosystems is challenging due to the difficulties associated with the assessment of carbon stocks below-ground. The above-ground biomass can be easily estimated with highest accuracy in most cases; however, the below-ground biomass estimation is still labour intensive and time consuming. To overcome these limitations, the destructive sampling approach was introduced. The first step in this method involves the chopping of selected trees within some definite plots or transects, and digging out their root systems in order to establish the bio­mass above — and below-ground with the highest possible accuracy. Further, the field inventory measurements are collected by making use of the tools such as diameter tapes, spring scales, clinometers, pruning saws and shears, shovels, measuring tapes, field data recording accessories and paper bags (Avitabile et al. 2008; Chidumayo 1997; Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA 2005). In the following step, the segments of stems and branches are weighed first in wet form in the field itself and then in an oven dried form in the laboratory for different significant purposes (De Gier 2003; Nogueira etal. 2008). Up to this level of data analysis provides cumulative information about the biomass levels per tree (both above — and below-ground). To obtain the complete information in a broad way to the whole area of interest by destructive sampling approach, the Allometry equation is employed.