Dissertation
Estimation of biomass and carbon accumulation of spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora subspecies variegata) plantation forests in Queensland
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00744
Abstract
Spotted gum – Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV) is an important native hardwood species in eastern Australia, particularly in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The 2019 – 2020 forest inventory of hardwood plantations in Queensland showed that the total area of hardwood plantations is 18,000 ha and dominated by spotted gums (about 62%). This species is considered one of the most prospective hardwood tree species for the economic purpose of timber production and for environmental purposes such as carbon sequestration and restoration of areas following soil degradation in subtropical areas of southeast Queensland.
To accurately estimate biomass and carbon sequestration, developing allometric models using destructive sampling methods is important. Several sets of allometric equations have been developed to estimate above and belowground biomass and carbon in forests in Australia. However, there are few published studies on aboveground biomass and no available studies on belowground biomass of spotted gum plantations. In particular, no studies have been conducted in Queensland due to the challenges of directly measuring both above and belowground tree biomass. The accuracy of allometric equations must be considered because they are widely used for estimating biomass in forested areas while avoiding destructive sampling of trees. In addition, having reliable allometric equations is key for understanding the dynamics of biomass and carbon stocks in long-rotation spotted gum plantations.
The objectives of this study, therefore, were to: (1) develop field sampling procedures for accurate quantification of above and belowground biomass; (2) develop species-specific allometric relationships to estimate belowground biomass using the variables of diameter at breast height and tree height; (3) establish the best allometric models for estimating aboveground biomass based on different independent variables such as diameter at breast height, tree height, wood density and crown variables; and (4) determine how biomass and carbon accumulation varies under different plantation conditions.
Details
- Title
- Estimation of biomass and carbon accumulation of spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora subspecies variegata) plantation forests in Queensland
- Authors
- Trinh Huynh - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Forest Research Institute
- Contributors
- David Lee (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Tropical Forests and People Research Centre
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00744
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Industries Research Centre; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Forest Research Institute
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99710398402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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