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Regression Equations for Estimating Tree Volume and Biomass of Important

Timber Species in Meghalaya, India

Article in Current Science · January 2019

DOI: 10.18520/cs/v116/i1/75-81

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 RESEARCH ARTICLES

Regression equations for estimating tree

volume and biomass of important timber
species in Meghalaya, India
Krishna Giri1,*, Rajiv Pandey2, R. S. C. Jayaraj1, R. Nainamalai3 and
Subhash Ashutosh3
1
Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat 785 001, India
2
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun 248 001, India
3
Forest and Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya, Shillong 793 001, India

regression analyses are found most convenient as felling

Linear regression models were developed for four eco-
logically and economically important tree species of of trees is avoided. Modelling has been used in forestry
Meghalaya, India, viz. Betula alnoides, Duabanga from mid-1880s, when the Central European foresters
grandiflora, Magnolia champaca and Toona ciliata. In were using graphical methods of modelling the growth
the present study a non-destructive approach has been and yield of forests. These models continued to be used in
used for measurement of required variables, i.e. di- other places as well, until the development of mechanical
ameter at breast height (DBH), basal diameter, tree calculators in combination with new statistical analysis
height, end-diameters and length of frustum. Compar- methods. These new statistical tools and techniques
ison of various models of relationship on the basis of enabled preparation of yield and volume tables more effi-
adj. R2 values showed that the value for linear func- ciently1. Stiellfor2 and Woessner3 proposed regression equa-
tion (V = f (d2h)) was more than 0.90 for all the four tions for volume/biomass prediction of different parts of
tree species, except lowest diameter class of T. ciliata
trees like bole, roots and branches. Harding and Griger4 de-
(10–30 cm diameter class). Hence this linear regres-
sion equation was selected for development of diame- veloped allometric models Y = ad b and Y = ad bhc, where Y
ter class-wise volume equations. Volume of the stem is the mass, d the diameter at breast height (DBH), h the
was taken as the dependent variable, while DBH and height and a, b, c are mathematical constants.
tree height were used as independent variables, trans- The yield and volume of timber are required by the
formed in the form of d2h to develop regression equa- forest managers based on tree diameter, height, basal
tion. Similarly, linear regression equations for each area, form, bark thickness, etc.5,6, and the relationships
tree species were also developed using linear function between these parameters serve as a key to tree volume
[(V = f (d2))], considering tree volume as an dependent estimation. Regression models have been most widely used
variable and DBH as an independent variable, for estimating tree volume. A good model should provide
transformed in the form of V = d2. The present study information that is sufficiently precise and comprehensive
is among a few attempts to develop regression models
to execute the intended purpose in a simple manner, be
without the felling of trees since 1977 and an initial
attempt using advanced measurement equipment in easily understood and also helpful for drawing inferences;
North East (NE) India, under the current regime of and regression models have served these purposes.
ban on tree felling. The regression equations deve- Allometric models relate DBH to other components
loped in this study can be used for estimation of and provide relatively precise estimates of volume and
timber yield and carbon content of the selected tree biomass7. These models vary widely, but the commonly
species found in the Meghalaya forests. used method is linear model (Y = a + bx), where Y is the
biomass, a and b are slope and intercept respectively and
Keywords: Biomass, regression equations, tree volume, x is the DBH8. The precise estimation of tree volume and
timber species. biomass in forest ecosystems is essential for commercial
timber extraction and above-ground biomass (AGB) car-
THE ultimate objective of forest mensuration is to esti- bon stock assessment. Assessment of carbon sequestra-
mate the quantity of timber contained in the forests. The tion potential in terrestrial ecosystems using regression
volume of trees is calculated either after felling them or models is a commonly used approach9–11. Several regres-
in the standing crop. For volume estimation of standing sion models have been developed to estimate biomass or
trees, mathematical models developed through multiple carbon stock for forestry species10,12, which are being
used to prepare volume tables13 and to estimate carbon in
different forest types14. The total biomass obtained from
*For correspondence. (e-mail: [email protected]) such models is further converted into carbon content by
CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 116, NO. 1, 10 JANUARY 2019 75
RESEARCH ARTICLES
multiplying with 0.5, considering that tree biomass con- remaining area is either private or clan/community-
tains 50% carbon15. owned and is under the control and management of
In several other studies tree height, DBH and wood Autonomous District Councils.
density have been used as independent variables for esti-
mating AGB, and the relationship between AGB and Field surveys and data collection
DBH have been found to be the best fit for tree biomass
estimation9,10. Since trees constitute the major pool of Extensive surveys were carried out in the entire state for
biomass carbon, many studies on forest carbon budget measurement of tree parameters such as basal diameter,
have focused only on tree AGB estimation16. According DBH, total tree height, lower end, middle and upper end
to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate diameter and length of frustum. The focus of the survey
Change (UNFCCC), the signatory nations have to report was healthy trees, while those with deformities in tree
the state of forest resources and temporal as well as spa- architecture were not considered in the population; there-
tial, fine-gained carbon stock inventories17,18. Harvesting fore, none of the diseased, deformed and abnormal trees
of trees and weighing their parts is the most accurate way were accounted for sampling and measurement of the de-
of biomass and carbon stock estimation, but due to ban sired variables. In case of two large boles from a single
on green felling in India this approach is often used to tree, measurement of both the boles was considered and
validate the estimates of carbon stock using non- recorded for further processing. The standing trees of
destructive in situ measurements and remote sensing19,20. each species were hypothetically marked into smaller
For instance, Joshi et al.21 developed allometric equations logs and the desired measurements were taken without
for Paulownia tomentosa to estimate biomass and carbon the felling of trees. Depending on the height of merchanta-
stock using harvest method. ble bole, length of frustum (logs) was kept 3–4 m for each
At present more emphasis is being given to the tree to measure at least 4–5 sections, and repeated mea-
non-destructive methods of biomass and carbon stock surements were taken till constant values were obtained.
estimation because they are less time-consuming and Due to ban on tree felling in the forests, volume of trees
cost-effective than the harvest method. Species-specific, could not be measured through destructive sampling.
regional and local volume equations give more accurate
estimates of forest biomass and carbon as well as the
Statistical analysis
merchantable timber wealth of a particular forest area.
The present study was undertaken with the objective to For the present study, data were collected on the four tree
develop volume equations for selected tree species of species (viz. Betula alnoides, Duabanga grandiflora,
Meghalaya, NE India. These species were selected keep- Magnolia champaca and Toona ciliata) by measuring
ing in view their economical and ecological importance parameters, viz. basal diameter, DBH, height at the occur-
for the state, as reported by the Forest and Environment rence of the first branch, tree height, diameter at the top
Department, Government of Meghalaya and non- end, lower end and middle of the frustum and its length. All
availability of volume table for the species. the trees were divided into three diameter classes according
to their DBH, viz. 10–30, 31–50 and >50 cm. The collected
Materials and methods data were used to develop the volume equations.
For this, first the volume of each tree was calculated,
(1) Hand-held GPS, Garmin-make, model-eTrex 10: Used for which, the volume of all the logs, sectioned by imagina-
for recording geo-coordinates of the survey and sampling tion, was calculated and summed up. The volume of frus-
sites in the field. tum of each tree was calculated using Newton’s formula24
(2) Nikon Laser 550A Range Finder22: Used for mea- for estimating individual tree stem volume as
surement of total tree height, height at the occurrence of the
1
first branch of each individual tree and length of frustum. V= ( Al + 4 Am + Au ) * l ,
(3) Mantax Black Calliper with Gator Eyes, make: 6
Haglof Sweden23: Used for measurement of diameter where Al is the lower end area, Am the middle portion area
from a distance with laser beam (diameter measurement and Au is the upper end area of the frustum and l is the
at different heights for each tree). length of the frustum.
This volume equation may also be expressed as
Study site π
V= (dl2 + 4d m2 + d u2 ) * l ,
24
Meghalaya is situated between 25°47′–26°10′N and
89°45′–92°45′E covering an area of 22,720 sq. km. Out of where dl is at lower end diameter, dm the middle portion
15,657 sq. km forest area in the state, 1027.20 sq. km is diameter, du the upper end diameter of the frustum and l
under the control of State Forest Department and the is the frustum length.
76 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 116, NO. 1, 10 JANUARY 2019
 RESEARCH ARTICLES
The above formula was chosen depending on the using linear regression analysis (Table 1). The regression
requirements and the dataset collected for establishment models having 0.93, 0.92 and 0.92 R2 values for 10–30,
of volume prediction models. None of the trees having 31–50 and >50 cm diameter class respectively, were
physical deformities was considered for sampling even found to fit best and used for preparation of regional
not found in our sample plots. The growth of all tree spe- volume tables. These regression models can be used for
cies was uniform in the forest. These conditions facili- estimation of merchantable timber in the forests. The
tated opting the formula, moreover, the literature also equations can also be used for estimation of biomass
supports use of the formula for estimating log volume using wood specific gravity of the species and converted
and total volume of the trees25,26. into carbon content using 0.5 multiplication factor.
DBH and diameter of frustum were recorded in centi- Similarly, regression models for three diameter classes
metres, however, length of the frustum and total tree (10–30, 31–50 and >50 cm DBH) of D. grandiflora were
height were measured in metres. Therefore, all the also developed. The values of adj. R2 for each diameter
parameters were converted into metres, and volume was class were 0.95, 0.91 and 0.91 respectively (Table 2). The
calculated in cubic metres. biomass and carbon content of D. grandiflora can be
Regression analysis is a quantitative method applied to estimated using the biomass equation given in Table 2.
find out the relationship between a dependent variable The volume models are useful for the preparation of vo-
and one or more independent variables. It specifies the lume tables as well as estimation of merchantable timber
relation of dependent variable (Y) to a functional combina- in the entire state. Diameter class-wise regression models
tion of independent variables (X) and unknown parameter were also developed for M. champaca for Meghalaya.
(β ), which can be expressed as Several models were run to find out the best-fit equations
for each diameter class, and the equations having values
Y = f (X, β). of 0.93, 0.92 and 0.98 adj. R2 for 10–30, 31–50 and
>50 cm diameter class respectively, were found to fit best
Volume of the stem was taken as the dependent variable, (Table 3). The merchantable volume, biomass and carbon
and DBH and tree height were taken as independent content of standing trees can be estimated using these
variables, transformed in the form of d2h to develop regression equations without felling of trees (Table 3).
regression equation. Also, the model was of the form Statistical analysis of the data collected for development
where the constant term was ignored as it would predict of tree volume models for T. ciliata revealed that the
the volume of the tree in spite of the fact that diameter maximum coefficient of determination for diameter class
and tree height are zero. Hence the constant term does not 10–30 cm was 0.88. Hence this model was considered
have any significance. Minimum of 25 trees in each to be the best fit for stem volume, biomass and carbon
diameter class were taken for regression analysis. estimation in the standing trees. Values of R2 for 31–50
Diameter class-wise stem volume and biomass equations and >50 cm diameter class were 0.93 and 0.94 respectively
for selected tree species were also developed using linear (Table 4).
model [V = f (d2)], where stem volume was taken as the Unlike the linear regression equations developed con-
dependent variable and DBH as the independent variable, sidering volume as a dependent variable and DBH as well
transformed in the form of V = d2. as tree height as independent variables, linear regression
Regression models were developed using SPSS V16.0 equations were also developed considering volume as the
software27. Initially, a number of models of different dependent variable and DBH as the independent variable
forms were run on the data in order to select the one using linear model [V = f (d2)]. Tables 5–8 give the
which would give the best fit. Comparison was made on species and diameter class-wise volume and biomass
the basis of the adjusted adj. R2 values obtained for dif- equations.
ferent models. The adj. R2 of linear function (V = f (d2h)) The wood specific gravity is an essential component
was more than 0.900 for all the four tree species. Hence for biomass and carbon stock estimation using volume
the linear regression model was selected. equations. The wood specific gravity of tree species is
available in the Global Wood Density Database compiled
by Zanne et al.28, based on research work carried out
Results and discussion across the globe. Table 9 gives the wood density/specific
gravity of the selected tree species29,30, which is useful
Surveys were carried out in the entire state for data col- for the estimation of stem volume followed by tree bio-
lection of each tree species, covering 18 locations in Garo mass.
Hills, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts. Tree volume and biomass estimates are essential for
Geo-coordinates of all the sampling locations were reor- sustainable management and utilization of forest resources
dered and a sampling location map was prepared (Figure as well as carbon cycle dynamics in the ecosystem. In
1). Volume equations for each diameter class (10–30, 31– addition, UNFCCC has recognized the importance of
50 and >50 cm DBH) of B. alnoides were developed forest carbon sink and the need of its preservation and
CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 116, NO. 1, 10 JANUARY 2019 77
RESEARCH ARTICLES

Figure 1. Species-wise sampling points in Meghalaya, India.

Table 1. Volume and biomass equations for Betula alnoides enhancement to combat global climate change through
Model for volume Adj. R2 SE F (P-value) carbon sequestration. Terrestrial carbon stocks and changes
are difficult to assess31 and most estimates are subject to
Diameter class 10–30 cm uncertainty32,33. Among the available methods, destruc-
V = 0.365*d2*h 0.93 0.11 296.61 (0.00)
tive sampling is a direct way of biomass and carbon stock
Diameter class 31–50 cm estimation which involves felling of trees and measuring
V = 0.289*d2*h 0.92 0.30 260.80 (0.00) their components such as trunk, leaves and branches to
Diameter class >50 cm obtain dry weight34. Rai and Proctor35 developed regres-
V = 0.255*d2*h 0.92 0.67 217.09 (0.00) sion equations to relate biomass and DBH using harvest-
Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem ing of trees in the Western Ghats and estimated above-
volume × 0.573. ground tree biomass. The study revealed that the bole and
n = 75, 25 trees for each diameter class, adj. R2 coefficient of determi- branch biomass was within 95% confidence limit of the
nation and SE is standard error in Tables 1–8. Volume models based on total above-ground biomass. Also, allometric equations
DBH and height. for Pinus kesiya in Meghalaya were developed using
harvest method. It was found that log(Y) = a + b log D +
c(log D)2 + d(log D)3 was the best fit for biomass estimation
Table 2. Volume and biomass equations for Duabanga grandiflora of tree and its various components16.
Model for volume Adj. R2 SE F (P-value) Non-destructive sampling of desired variables is another
method of biomass estimation, which is most appropriate
Diameter class 10–30 cm
for rare or protected tree species where harvesting of such
V = 0.320*d2*h 0.95 0.08 438.72 (0.00)
species is not feasible36. Volume equations developed
Diameter class 31–50 cm using non-destructive measurements of standing trees
V = 0.328*d2*h 0.91 0.41 249.89 (0.00)
require wood specific gravity to transform stem volume
Diameter class >50 cm into biomass and carbon stock. Generally volume equa-
V = 0.286*d2*h 0.91 1.12 234.52 (0.00) tions are developed using DBH and tree height as inde-
Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem pendent variables. The regression models using DBH and
volume × 0.382. tree height can estimate stem volume. This stem volume
Volume models based on DBH and height. can be converted into biomass using wood specific gravity

78 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 116, NO. 1, 10 JANUARY 2019

 RESEARCH ARTICLES
of the particular tree species. In the present study we have volume table of D. grandiflora was prepared for Manipur.
developed species-specific volume equations for B. al- Since 1977, the present study is the second attempt to de-
noides, D. grandiflora, M. champaca and T. ciliata found velop regression models for important timber species of
in Meghalaya. A completely non-destructive approach Meghalaya without the felling of trees. Montes et al.38 de-
was used for data collection in standing trees by means of veloped a non-destructive method for biomass estimation
various scientific equipment. The experimental results of Juniperus thurifera woodlands in the High Central At-
revealed that tree stem volume had strong linear relation- las, south of Morocco, where tree biomass was estimated
ship with DBH and height (R2 > 0.900). In 1977, Sharma using two photographs at orthogonal angles and samples
and Jain37 prepared regional volume tables for D. grandif- of branches, leaves as well as dendrometric measure-
lora in Manipur, NE India without the felling of trees. A ments. Climbing the tree is another non-destructive
linear regression model V = a + b D2H was developed method of measurement of various parts39 or simply mea-
with correlation coefficient (R = 0.993). The regression suring DBH, height of the tree, volume of the tree and
equation obtained from the data was V = 0.081671 + wood density40 and calculating the biomass using
0.319025 D2H. Based on this regression model, a regional allometric equations. The present study utilized Mantax

Table 3. Volume and biomass equations for Magnolia champaca Table 6. Volume and biomass equations for D. grandiflora
2
Model for volume Adj. R SE F (P-value) Model for volume Adj. R2 SE F (P-value)

Diameter class 10–30 cm Diameter class 10–30 cm

V = 0.372*d2*h 0.93 0.11 491.69 (0.00) V = 4.926*d2 0.91 0.11 239.72 (0.00)
Diameter class 31–50 cm Diameter class 31–50 cm
V = 0.272*d2*h 0.92 0.25 410.06 (0.00) V = 7.177*d2 0.91 0.39 266.15 (0.00)
Diameter class >50 cm Diameter class >50 cm
V = 0.265*d2*h 0.98 0.37 407.46 (0.00) V = 7.889*d2 0.92 1.03 285.52 (0.00)
Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem
volume × 0.670. volume × 0.382.

Volume models based on DBH and height. Volume models based on DBH.

Table 4. Volume and biomass equations for Toona ciliata Table 7. Volume and biomass equations for M. champaca
2
Model for volume Adj. R SE F (P-value) Model for volume Adj. R2 SE F (P-value)

Diameter class 10–30 cm Diameter class 10–30 cm

V = 0.298*d2*h 0.88 0.11 171.55 (0.00) V = 6.120*d2 0.92 0.11 429.85 (0.00)
Diameter class 31–50 cm Diameter class 31–50 cm
V = 0.186*d2*h 0.93 0.21 297.57 (0.00) V = 5.727*d2 0.86 0.34 218.30 (0.00)
Diameter class >50 cm Diameter class > 50 cm
V = 0.253*d2*h 0.94 0.82 288.29 (0.00) V = 6.535*d2 0.99 0.31 582.37 (0.00)
Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem
volume × 0.560. volume × 0.670.
Volume models based on DBH and height. Volume models based on DBH.

Table 5. Volume and biomass equations for B. alnoides Table 8. Volume and biomass equations for T. ciliata
Model for volume Adj. R2 SE F (P-value) Model for volume Adj. R2 SE F (P-value)

Diameter class 10–30 cm Diameter class 10–30 cm

V = 6.814*d2 0.92 0.12 244.07 (0.00) V = 4.897*d2 0.81 0.13 105.74 (0.00)
Diameter class 31–50 cm Diameter class 31–50 cm
V = 6.272*d2 0.92 0.30 260.77 (0.00) V = 4.253*d2 0.91 0.24 211.96 (0.00)
Diameter class > 50 cm Diameter class >50 cm
V = 6.086*d2 0.87 0.83 135.82 (0.00) V = 6.591*d2 0.95 0.74 352.87 (0.00)
Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem Biomass = Stem volume × wood specific gravity. Biomass = Stem
volume × 0.573. volume × 0.560.
Volume models based on DBH. Volume models based on DBH.

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 116, NO. 1, 10 JANUARY 2019 79

RESEARCH ARTICLES
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