Height–diameter allometry in African monodominant forest close to mixed forest

African monodominant forests are frequently formed by Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (De Wild.) J. Leonard and commonly found close to mixed forests. However, previous studies have ignored differences between these two forest types in height–diameter allometry, which is extremely important for abovegroun...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of tropical ecology 2021-03, Vol.37 (2), p.98-107
Main Authors: Loubota Panzou, Grace Jopaul, Bocko, Yannick Enock, Mavoungou, Alain Yves, Loumeto, Jean-Joël
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allometry
Bias
Biodiversity
Carbon
Diameters
Ecology
Emissions
Environmental policy
Estimates
Forests
Mixed forests
Research Article
Trees
Vegetation
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Summary:African monodominant forests are frequently formed by Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (De Wild.) J. Leonard and commonly found close to mixed forests. However, previous studies have ignored differences between these two forest types in height–diameter allometry, which is extremely important for aboveground biomass (AGB) estimates. This study aims to evaluate the performance of height–diameter models and their effects on height attributes and AGB estimations in African monodominant and mixed forests. Four 1-ha plots divided in 16 subplots (0.25 ha) were installed in each forest type in northern Republic of Congo. We measured diameter of all trees ≥ 10 cm diameter for each subplot and we measured the height of 264 trees over a large range of 7–64 m in two forest types. There was a significant difference in height–diameter allometry between two forest types and trees were taller and had greater AGB in monodominant forests than in mixed forests. Two height–diameter models from the literature generated the lowest error values when predicting tree height and AGB in mixed forests, whereas no model derived from the literature was appropriate for monodominant forests. The variation in height–diameter allometry between monodominant and mixed forests influences AGB estimates that have practical implications for carbon monitoring.
ISSN:0266-4674
1469-7831
DOI:10.1017/S0266467421000183