Allometric equations for estimating biomass and carbon accumulation in commercial macauba palm plantations

Abstract

This study aimed to fit allometric models for dry matter mass (kg/plant) and carbon accumulation (kg/plant) in macauba palm ( Acrocomia aculeata ). Data were obtained from 18 palms grown in Araponga, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, at ages of 3.0, 5.4, 10.5, 12.2, 15.5, and 16.4 years, with three individuals per age class. Dry matter mass ( mMS ) and carbon accumulation ( aC ) were determined by destructive sampling of aboveground biomass and root systems. The fitted equations were mMS₁ = 5.968653 ht 1.664110 (relative RMSE = 13.56%) and aC₁ = 2.700984 ht 1.639142 (relative RMSE = 13.61%). In addition, projection models were developed to estimate biomass and carbon accumulation in macauba palms at future ages based on plant height ( ht₁ ) and the interval between initial age ( A₁ ) and projected age ( A₂ ). These equations may contribute to sustainability of macauba production systems, particularly in carbon credit projects and climate change mitigation strategies.