Step 1. Estimate the volume of each tree trunk Estimate the volume of each tree trunk in m3, assumingit is a cone.
3Here V is volume(m3), h is tree height(m)and r is the radius of the tree (DBH/2).
Step 2. Estimate the biomass of each tree trunkTo do this you will need to use the equation: biomass = specific gravity x volume.The specific gravity will depend on the species of tree, these can be found in Table 1. If you do not know the species of a given tree, there is also a mean specific gravity for conifers and deciduous trees.The results will be in oven dry tonnes.
Step 3.Estimate the crown biomass of each tree There are two ways to estimate the crown biomass, depending on the diameter of the tree, but it is only possible for trees that have a diameter greater than 7 cm: If DBH is 7-50 cm, Crown biomass = a x DBHb, with DBH expressed in cm. Values for a and b can be found in Table 2. If DBH > 50cm, Crown biomass = c + (d x DBH), with DBH expressed in cm. Values for c and d can be found in Table 2. The results will be in ovendry tonnes.
Step 4.Estimate the root biomass of each tree Again, there are two methods of estimating the root biomass of a tree, depending on the diameter, but it is only possible for trees that have a diameter greater than 7 cm: If DBH is 7-50 cm, Root biomass = e x DBH2.5, with DBH expressed in cm. Values for e can be found Table 3. If DBH >50 cm, Root biomass = f + (g x DBH) with DBH expressed in cm. Values for f and g can be found Table 3. The results will be in oven dry tonnes.
Step 5.Estimate the carbon content of each tree
4Add the trunk biomass, crown biomass and root biomass to estimate the biomass of the whole tree. If the tree is too small to calculate the crown biomass and root biomass (DBH < 7cm), just use the trunk biomass. Carbon content = Biomass of whole tree/ 2 The results will be in oven dry tonnes, you can also convert this into kg C (x 1000), and into kg CO2 removed: kg CO2removed = kg C/(12/44) Step 6. Final things to consider(key information for your policy briefing note)Make an estimation of the amount of CO2 has been removed by the small standing of recently planted trees since they were planted in 2008. Make an estimation of how much carbon is held in all campus trees, using your calculations and the list of total number and types of campus treesyou have been provided with. Do conifers or deciduous trees hold more carbon, and why? Think about the uncertainty in any of your estimates.If more trees were to be planted on campus, which species would you recommend for maximum carbon storage? Why?
