Modelos alométricos para estimación de biomasa sobre el suelo de plantaciones de Eucalyptus saligna SM en estepa Espinosa Montano Bajo, Chimborazo – Ecuador.

Abstract

The allometric models used in the quantification process are particular biomass for certain areas, depending on various factors specific to the locality. There are no appropriate allometrics that more reliably estimate the biomass found in Eucalyptus saligna plantations in areas such as the Lower Montano thorny steppe of the Chimborazo province; Consequently, the objective was to evaluate the fit of a set of equations for the estimation of biomass in a plantation of E. saligna in the Lower Montane spiny steppe. A mixed methodology was obtained, qualitative and quantitative, with a non-experimental design of the correlational type, and the degree of relationship between variables taken during five years was evaluated. The biomass was quantified by the destructive method. With the resulting data, generic models that relate biomass above ground with DAP and total height were assessed. The best model was selected based on statistical parameters such as coefficient of determination, adjusted coefficient of determination, the root of the mean square of the error, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion. The formula Ln(B) = -0.952 + 1.97*Ln(dbh) was the best model because it presents more reliable estimates with the variables studied. This model found that E. saligna stored 2.62 t of total biomass, bearing that, in a 2x3 planting density, the number of biomass increases to 109.19 t ha-1, and in a 4x4 system, it would be 40.94 t ha-1. The generated allometric model is a practical tool to estimate biomass accumulation in E. saligna plantations in the Lower Montane spiny steppe zone. If there are no specific models, it can be used as a reference for tree species with characteristics like this study.