Estimating aboveground biomass of mariola (Parthenium incanum) from plant dimensions

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of plant biomass in space and time are important properties of rangeland ecosystem. Land managers and researchers require reliable shrub weight estimates to evaluate site productivity, food abundance, treatment effects, and stocking rates. Rapid, nondestructive methods are needed to estimate shrub biomass in semi-arid ecosystems. Shrub height and crown diameter are useful non-destructive measures of shrub size. Mariola (Parthenium incanum) is an important shrub that is widely distributed in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts. Mariola is found from the southwest United States to the central part of Mexico. Regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between aboveground biomass and four plant measurements (shrub height, longest canopy width, shortest canopy width, and crown volume) from 45 plants. All variables were related to aerial biomass; R values varied from 0.73 to 0.98. Regression equations developed for mariola compared favorably to equations in similar species in desert environments, suggesting that results might be applicable to other desert regions for rapid and accurate estimation of shrub biomass.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings: Shrubland dynamics -- fire and water

Citation

Villalobos, Carlos. 2007. Estimating aboveground biomass of mariola (Parthenium incanum) from plant dimensions. In: Sosebee, Ronald E.; Wester, David B.; Britton, Carlton M.; McArthur, E. Durant; Kitchen, Stanley G., comps. Proceedings: Shrubland dynamics -- fire and water; 2004 August 10-12; Lubbock, TX. Proceedings RMRS-P-47. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 132-135.