A Rapid Method of Browse Biomass Estimation in a Forest Habitat

Abstract

The accuracy and efficiency of the browse biomass estimation for a young forest plantation in central Sweden was compared using two different methods. Using the traditional harvest plot technique, the amount of browse was determined as 40.4 g dry weight/m2; while the new technique gave a similar result, i.e., 36.4 g dry weight/m2. The new method employs the relationship between the height-diameter index of trees and the total biomass of browse per tree as well as the regular twig count. It was found that the new technique is approximately 11 times more efficient than the regular browse harvest technique. The possibility of application of the new method in forest habitats is discussed.