Theses and Dissertations Collection

Predictive equations were developed, influenced by pipe model theory to predict both individual branch and total tree branch biomass, branch wood biomass, leaf biomass, leaf area and specific leaf area for grand fir (Abies grandis), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. glauca), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) in north Idaho, USA based on observations representing range of variability in mixed species stands. Based on two randomly selected branches from each of four crown quarters, both full and reduced models were generated to predict branch quantities, however the reduced models were nearly as good as the full models. The reduced branch level equations were then scaled to generate whole tree biomass and leaf area estimates from which both full and reduced models were developed. All of our models were able to explain a large amount of variability in crown biomass components, resulting in an improved ability to explain crown biomass in these three species.