Predicting aboveground biomass yield for moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) plantations based on the diameter distribution model

Biomass accumulation is an important stand characteristic because it provides critical information for bamboo forest management. The purpose of this study was to predict aboveground biomass (AGB) for moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) plantations based on the diameter distribution model (DDM). The study was conducted on 24 stands, with intensive management (IM) and extensive management (EM), located in the lower mountain area of central Taiwan. Quantifying stand diameter distribution is a critical step in the process of the DDM. The Weibull function effectively quantified stand diameter distribution in this study. The AGB of each diameter at breast height (DBH) class was predicted based on a combination of the Weibull function and an allometric equation. The AGB of the whole stand was obtained from the summation of the numbers obtained from each DBH class and was predicted to be 87.53 & PLUSMN; 23.06 and 74.62 & PLUSMN; 5.76 Mg ha(-1) for the IM and EM stands, respectively. To assess this model, the same data predicted by the allometric model were compared to the DDM. The results showed a difference of less than & PLUSMN; 1% in the predicted AGB between these 2 methods, regardless of stand type. Therefore, the DDM is recommended for use in predicting AGB for bamboo forests because it shows AGB yield at both the DBH class and stand levels. However, the DDM requires stand diameter distribution to be quantified. If stand diameter distribution is not quantified, the DDM will not be suitable for predicting AGB. It provided detailed information of AGB for moso bamboo plantations.