Allometric models for estimation of aboveground carbon stocks in improved fallows in eastern Zambia

This paper presents allometric functions for estimation of C stocks in aboveground tree biomass in 2-year-old improved fallows in eastern Zambia. A total of 222 individual trees representing 12 tree species were destructively harvested for C analysis by LECO CHN-1000 analyzer. Allometric models relating collar diameter (D10) and total tree height (H) to stem and total aboveground C stocks were developed using data from tree fallows. Logarithmically transformed power functions displayed a good ability to stabilize variance of aboveground C stocks and showed a good fit (84 < R2 < 99) with a bias of 0.7–3.6%. D10 alone and in combination with H explained most of the variability in total aboveground C stocks. Validation of the species-specific and generalized models with field data indicated that they accurately predicted aboveground tree C stocks. Generalized C estimation functions were also validated and described 73–97% of variability in aboveground C stocks with an average unsigned deviation of 1.5–4.9%. The C functions will serve as a vital tool for predicting and monitoring C pool sizes in long-term studies and agroforestry projects, especially where destructive sampling is not possible.