Modelling and Comparison of Above-Ground Tree Biomass of Omo Biosphere Reserve Using Field and Landsat 8 Data

Abstract

Forest ecosystems occupied substantial vacuum in the balance of atmospheric carbon and thereby control global carbon cycle as well as climate change effect. Assessment of forest biomass value determines the role of forest as carbon offset entity. The selection of appropriate biomass assessment method and/or the use of reliable allometry are prime factors to carbon calculation of a forest. This study developed and compared biomass models as well as produced acceptable allometry equation for the study area and forest similar characteristics. It was revealed that forest biomass could be assessed with the use spatial image with spectral bands, and indices calculated. Different spectral indices correlated with one another as well as correlated with biomass observed data. Though, correlation level differs across the various indices considered but Enhance Vegetation Index (EVI) gave the best fit based on the criteria set for this study ( Ln AGTB = 7.981+10.799 (EVI)). Two forms of biomass equation including the observed Above-ground Tree Biomass (AGTB) value were compared and the result shows that there were no significant differences amongst the different estimation methods. Carbon spatial distribution pattern was generated with the chosen spectral index model.