Biomass equations and estimation for Gmelina arborea and Nauclea diderrichii stands in Akure forest reserve

Biomass estimation was carried out for even-aged stands of Gmelina arborea and Nauclea diderrichii in Akure forest reserve. Linear and allometric: regression equations for biomass prediction were developed for trees of both species. The yield of each species and total above-ground biomass (TAGB) were estimated and compared. The various equations developed were assessed based on high coefficient of determination (R-2), significant F-ratio, and small Furnival index (FI) to select appropriate equation for prediction. The t-test shows a significant difference when the total volume and total dry weight of both species were compared, Gmelina arborea having a greater value than Nauclea diderrichii in both cases. The total volume of Gmelina arborea per hectare was 721.40 m(3) and 265.18 m(3) for Nauclea diderrichii. The TAGB for Gmelina arborea was 264,762 kg/ha and 88,293 kg/ha for Nauclea diderrichii. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.