Biomass Expansion Factors of Natural Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) Forests in Korea

Abstract

Biomass expansion factors which convert the timber volume (or dry weight) to biomass are used to estimate the forest biomass and account for the carbon budget at the national or regional level This study estimated the biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEF) root to shoot ratio (R) biomass expansion factors (BEF) of natural Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb et Zucc) forests based on direct field measurements and publications in Korea This study attempted to fit the non linear relationships between the biomass expansion factors (BCEF and BEF) and main stand factors [stand age tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH)] The relation ship between BEF and each main stand factor was expressed as a simple logarithmical equation The BCEF was also expressed as a logarithmical equation of the tree height DBH and stand volume whereas there was no significant relationship between BCEF and stand age The mean value for BCEF BEF and R was 0 5821 Mg m(-3) (n=22 SD=0 1196) 1 4465 (n=22 SD=0 2905) and 0 2220