Modeling Biomass and Nutrients in a Eucalyptus Stand in the Cerrado

• Main Authors: Marco B. X. Valadão, Karla M. S. Carneiro, Fabiana P. Ribeiro, Jonas Inkotte, Maísa I. Rodrigues, Thallita R. S. Mendes, Daniel A. Vieira, Renan A. M. Matias, Mirella B. O. Lima, Eder P. Miguel, Alcides Gatto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
• Series: Forests
• Subjects: non-linear model; Schumacher–Hall model; aerial biomass; nutrient cycling
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/11/10/1097

The prediction of biological processes, which involve growth and plant development, is possible via the adjustment of mathematical models. In forest areas, these models assist in management practices, silviculture, harvesting, and soil fertility. Diameter, basal area, and height are predictors of volume and biomass estimates in forest stands. This study utilized different non-linear models for estimating biomass and nutrient values in the aerial biomass and roots of an unmanaged eucalypt stand in Cerrado dystrophic soil. It was hypothesized that the models would estimate the nutrients of the aboveground biomass and roots after meeting the selection and validation criteria. By statistical analysis of the parameters and subsequent validation, the Schumacher–Hall model was presented to be the best fit for biomass and nutrients. This result confirmed the ability of different variables, including diameter, basal area, and height, to be predicted. Estimating the nutrient values in the aboveground biomass and roots allowed a better understanding of the quality of the vegetal residues that remained in the soil. For dystrophic soils, which occur in the Cerrado, these estimates become even more relevant.