Allometric, Growth, and Biomass Estimation Models for Acacia dealbata Link.: A Case Study in Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal)

Abstract

Allometric, growth, and biomass estimation models for the quantification of missing parameters in trees are widely used to estimate the productivity of a stand. However, regarding species with lower economic interest, or exotic invasive species, the creation of these tools did not occur in the same way as for other species, lacking the development of relationships to allow a deeper study of these species. Thus, data were collected in a settlement of Acacia dealbata Link. in Portugal, in an area known for the current infestation of this species. After a bibliographic review, some of the identified models were tested to select those who best fit the characteristics of this stand, which were used to develop relationships that, based on the data collected, would be able to estimate parameters, such as height, volume, or mass. It was found that the models established, at least for the initial 20 years of the life of the trees, followed close to a linear model. However, the model still presents some weaknesses. For being considered an invasive species in Portugal, A. dealbata is frequently controlled, and for this reason it is very difficult to find trees older than 20 years.