Density and Specific Gravity Metrics in Biomass Research

G. Bruce Williamson; Michael C. Wiemann

doi:10.2737/FPL-GTR-208

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Density and Specific Gravity Metrics in Biomass Research

Informally Refereed

Authors:

G. Bruce Williamson, Michael C. Wiemann

Year:

2012

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/FPL-GTR-208

Source:

USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-208, March 2012

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Abstract

Following the 2010 publication of Measuring Wood Specific Gravity… Correctly in the American Journal of Botany, readers contacted us to inquire about application of wood density and specific gravity to biomass research. Here we recommend methods for sample collection, volume measurement, and determination of wood density and specific gravity for use in biomass studies. We include discussion of the effects of wood deterioration and reliance on published density metrics. In addition, we note pitfalls associated with standard methods, limitations of using densities in biomass estimates, and interpretation of international databases giving wood densities. no package

Keywords

biomass, coarse woody debris, density, international standards, specific gravity

Citation

Wiemann, Micheal C.; Williamson, G. Bruce. 2012. Density and Specific Gravity Metrics in Biomass Research. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-208, March 2012.