Predicting Green Weight of Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.)

Abstract

Planning for commercial utilization of mesquite wood requires a procedure for estimating biomass in a given stand. A study of virgin mesquite trees at three range sites in each of seven counties of the Rolling Plains of Texas was initiated. Data revealed a highly significant linear relationship (r = .933) exists between stem area at 60 cm above ground and the green weight of the tree. The green weight of individual trees can be predicted from a random sample of 256 trees when a prediction equation (Y = .410X) is used. Y = green weight of the individual tree expressed in kilograms. X = stem area at a 60 cm height above ground level expressed as square centimeters.