FOREST BIOMASS MONITORING FOR REDD+MANUAL
Nur Hajar Z.S., Wan Mohd Shukri W.A., Mohd Danial M.S., Mohd ShahidM., Mohd Nizam A., Harfendy O., Sadali S., Jasriza M.H. & Ismail, H.
Version 1 - January 2015

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................. 2
Project Background.................................................................................................................. 2
What is REDD+? ......................................................................................................................... 2
The Importance of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of Forest
Carbon Stocks ........................................................................................................................... 3
Manual Objectives ................................................................................................................... 3
PART 1: ESTABLISHMENT OF MONITORING PLOT ....................................................................... 5
1.1
Required Number of Permanent Plots and Plot Size ................................................. 5
1.2
Sampling Design ............................................................................................................ 5
1.3
Sampling Layout ............................................................................................................ 6
1.4
Required Equipment...................................................................................................... 8
1.5
Survey Team ................................................................................................................... 8
1.6
Locating the First Point (0,0) ......................................................................................... 9
1.7
Reference Point ........................................................................................................... 10
1.8
Main Corner (0,0 to 60,0) ............................................................................................ 10
PART 2: TREE MEASUREMENT FOR BIOMASS ............................................................................ 13
2.1
Required Equipment.................................................................................................... 13
2.2
Survey Team ................................................................................................................. 13
2.3
Diameter Measurement.............................................................................................. 14
2.4
Tree Mapping ............................................................................................................... 16
2.5
Total Height Measurement ......................................................................................... 17
2.5
Tree Identification ........................................................................................................ 18
PART 3: DATA ENTRY AND ANALYSIS ........................................................................................ 21
3.1
Data Entry ..................................................................................................................... 21
3.2
Installation Guide for Tree Biomass Analysis (TBA) Tool ........................................... 23
3.3
Data Analysis ................................................................................................................ 25
PART 4: ESTIMATION OF TREE BIOMASS AND CARBON STOCKS; REPORT WRITTING .......... 30
CLOSING ...................................................................................................................................... 32
ANNEX 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 33
ANNEX 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 34

1

INTRODUCTION
Project Background
Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI) and Forest Research Institute
Malaysia (FRIM) has a collaborative project on forest carbon monitoring, reportingand verification (MRV) system for a REDD+ participating country by combining thecountry’s conditions with the international requirements, appropriate available
technologies and scientific knowledge.
The project is divided into threecomponents namely remote sensing, biomass inventory and socio-economy.
Objectives of the study are:i. Monitoring land uses and land-use changes using remote sensing techniques,ii. Monitoring forest carbon stocks by ground sampling, andiii. Social and economic analysis of forest change.
iv. Development of practical guidelines for forest carbon monitoring for REDD+
Systematic sampling with a sufficient number of plots and frequent updating of
averaged carbon stock data is vital for an accurate estimation of CO2 emissions
from forests under pressure of land-use change and forestry activities. Tree biomass
was selected as the most important carbon pool in forest carbon stock. Existing
equations and factors will be used for estimating tree biomass and its carbon stock.
The number of permanent sample plot (PSPs) depends on the desired level ofprecision, deviation of carbon stock for each stratum, etc. By moderately classifying
forest types by means of satellite imagery etc. in terms of representation andinterpretation of samples, a reasonably accurate estimation of carbon stock is
expected. If a sufficient number of PSPs are available, highly reliable estimation ispossible.
Therefore, this study will provide information of number and distribution of PSPs forreasonably accurate estimation of carbon stock. By multiplying the averaged
carbon stock and forest area for its determined category, reliable forest carbon
stock values can be obtained, less expensively at the sub-national or regional level.
Some supplemental studies for estimating tree biomass carbon stock changes inlogging also be conducted.

What is REDD+?
REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing
countries; and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests andenhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries) is identified as one of
the most effective means to reduce GHG emission in the post-Kyoto climate change
negotiation. A reliable and credible system of MRV of forest carbon changes is acornerstone of any national REDD+.
An MRV system should follow the international requirements and also be adapted tothe country’s specific conditions, e.g. vegetation, economy, culture, institution
and/or the deforestation/forest degradation drivers. A REDD+ participating country
should prepare such a forest carbon change MRV system prior to a full2

implementation of REDD+ so as to promptly estimate the carbon budget and its
historical trend for the reference level. A demonstration of designing a forest carbonchange MRV system in a tropical forest country that takes into account therequirements and conditions would contribute not only to the country but also to theother countries by tailoring the lessons learned from the demonstration for designing
their own systems.

The Importance of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of Forest
Carbon Stocks
In discussions on the framework after the first commitment period of the Kyoto
Protocol in 2012 under the UNFCCC, the importance of the MRV system has beenemphasized. When REDD-plus is implemented, MRV of forest carbon stocks isessential to ensure transparency. In particular, MRV must be highly accurate before
economic incentives such as credits are issued.
A forest monitoring system is indispensable for accurate measurement of forest
carbon stocks and their changes at the national level. The guidance for the
methodology determined by COP 15 under the UNFCCC requests that developing
countries build a robust and highly transparent national forest monitoring system. To
estimate the balance of greenhouse gases, forest carbon stocks, and forest coverchanges, a monitoring system that combines remote sensing with ground-based
inventories is recommended.
Credits for REDD-plus activities will be issued based on the results of thismeasurement. To ensure a reliable and transparent credit system for greenhousegas reductions, a system for reporting and verifying the measurement results is
indispensable.

Manual Objectives
This manual is part of the main output from biomass inventory component of the
FRIM FFPRI project mentioned above.
The manual aims to explain in detail on the process involved in determine,monitoring and reporting the biomass changes in our forest.
Part 1 of the manual deal with the standard procedures to establish the PSPs andPart 2 will describe step by step in measuring tree parameters, including diameterand height measurement and tree identification. Rules in entering the data andanalysis will be discussed in Part 3. Tabulation and interpretation of the findings andreport writing on the biomass stocking and changes will be covered in Part 4.
This manual is intended to help beginners understand basic topics in conducting
biomass and carbon related monitoring activities.

3

ESTABLISHMENT OF
MONITORING PLOT

PART 1

4

PART 1:
1.1

ESTABLISHMENT OF MONITORING PLOT

Required Number of Permanent Plots and Plot Size

Determination of plot size and plot number required for the project was madebased on data analysis of two different forest areas namely Pasoh Forest Reserve(FR) for lowland forest and Semangkok FR for hill forest. Data of a 50 ha and 6 halong term ecological plot in Pasoh and Semangkok FR were used, respectively.
Several plot sizes options, i.e. 100 x 100 m, 60 x 60 m, 50 x 50 m, 40 x 50 m, 40 x 40 m
and 30 x 30 m were tested. Trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) wereused as baseline data. Analysis then concentrated on the number of biomass study
plot required by taking into consideration of coefficient of variation and standard
error for each tested plot size. Lower coefficient of variation and acceptable error
limit was chosen.
Based on the analysis, the project agreed that plot size of 60 m x 60 m will be usedwith a total of 16 study plots required for each category identified and a total of 96
study plots required for the whole study area within Peninsular Malaysia.

1.2

Sampling Design

The purpose of using stratified sampling is to increase the estimated accuracy or to
reduce the number of sampling plots needed (n). Therefore, the forest should be
stratified in such a way that the variation in each stratum is as small as possible
compared with the variation in the whole population. An effective means ofstratification is to create a stratification matrix as suggested by Gibbs et al. The
matrix should be constructed with two axes; one axis shows forest types and theother one shows the condition of the forest. However, it is important also tounderstand which factors, such as altitude, soil type and land-use history that relate
to spatial changes in carbon stocks. (Cookbook, Pg 115).
For the purpose of Malaysia REDD+ MRV system, stratification matrix using forest typeand forest condition (modified from Gibbs et al.) is suggested as shown below.

Forest type Lowland
Hill

Disturbances Category
Undisturbed Disturbed (logged< 10 years)
16
16
16
16
32
32

Disturbed (logged> 10 years)
16
16
32

Hence, for the FRIM FFPRI Project, the biomass monitoring plot consists of 96 plots
distributed randomly and equally within four LANDSAT selected scenes (Figure 1).
Each plot is positioned to capture two common forest types in Peninsular Malaysia,
i.e. lowland and hill forest and further stratified by disturbances category (i.e.
undisturbed and disturbed – logged < 10 years and logged > 10 years).

5

Figure 1. Project study areas was selected within four LANDSAT scene of Peninsular Malaysia

1.3

Sampling Layout

Permanent monitoring plots should be designed to enhance field measurement
efficiency. Generally, permanent sample plots are circular or square. For the
purpose of this project, a square plot was selected.
Thus, the monitoring plots were established as temporary sample plots, but eachcorners of the main plot will be marked permanently with permanent aluminium
pole. Plot will be north orientated with > 400 m apart from other plot and must be
established 100 m from access road. In addition to that, accessibility to the forest
compartment will be another major factor to be considered in laying out the plot.
Fixed-area square sampling plot of 0.36 ha (60 x 60 m) will be used to census trees.
To facilitate the census, the main plot will be further divided into 10 x 10 m quadrate(Figure 2).

6

Figure 2. Sampling layout for biomass monitoring

7

1.4

Required Equipment

Orienteering
Compass

1.5

Global Positioning
System (GPS)Clinometer

Aluminum pole

PVC pole(3 feet height)(3 feet height)

Laser range finder(Trupulse), Buble &Reflector

Survey Team

Survey team consisting of five people per team, will include:
1. Laser range finder operator
2. Clinometer operator
3. Recorder, and
4. General worker.

Operator(laser range finder)

Operator(Clinometer)

RecorderGeneral worker

8

1.6

Locating the First Point (0,0)

The plot location should be predetermining based on the selected criteria set by the
project (or objectives). The survey team, then need to check on the ground thesuitability of predetermine plot location to ensure that all criteria have been fullfil.
For FRIM FFPRI project, the most important criteria include forest type, altitude andyears after logging (if any).

Figure 3. An example ofground checking by thesurveyteam
tothepredetermine
plot
location. The entry pointshould be marked usingGPS.

The suitable area for plot establishment should bedetermine within the selected plot location. Few GPS pointshould be taken to ensure the whole plot area is within theset criteria (altitude).

Use aluminum pole to mark the starting point (A1). Mark thepoint using GPS. Pole will be 3 feet at height and quadrate
number should be clearly written on the pole.

The baseline of the plot (0,0 to 0,60 ; 60 m) will be laid out
towards north direction.

9

1.7

Reference Point

Permanent plots shall be marked using materials that will last longer than project
lifetime. Hence, aluminium poles will be used to mark each corners of main plot andtied to permanent benchmark such as river/stream, main road or big tree. The
coordinates of each corners and their permanent bench mark will be recorded
using GPS.
The GPS location alone cannot be used to locate the plot corners in
the future as the error in GPS measurements is too varies and large.
•Select a permanentfeature as a referece
point for each cornerof the main plot andmark using paint.
Record the species
name.

•GPS reading should
be recorded foreach reference
point.

Step 2

Step 1

1.8•Record bearing anddistance fromreference point tothe selected main
corner pole.

Step 3Main Corner (0,0 to 60,0)

The corners of main plot and each quadrate will be positioned using laser range
finders.

Team member ready with pvc pole and reflector.

From first point (0,0), point the laser range finder to north direction
and start measure distance at every 10m.

10

Reflector must be hold vertically as its will be the target point foreach 10 m distance measurement.

Mark the 10 m point with PVC pole and placed it on the bottom
left to mark corners of each quadrate. PVC pole will be 3 feet atheight and quadrate number will be clearly written on the pole.
Repeat the whole processes until plot size 60x60m completed.

During plot establishment, parameters to be recorded shall include the followings:
1. Coordinates (RSO system) of each corner of main plot (0,0 ; 0,60 ; 60,60 ; 60,0)
2. Compass bearing and slope angle from one to another corner, eg. (0,0) to(0,60)
3. Permanent benchmark (or reference point) and their coordinates will berecorded. Bearing and distance will be taken from permanent benchmark to
the corner of main plot.
4. Altitude at the centre of plot (D4)
5. Photo will be captured at each of four main corners, facing towards centre ofplot (D4).
6. Overall forest conditions will be recorded too.
The field form is in Annex 1.

11

TREES MEASUREMENT
FOR BIOMASSPART 212

PART 2:
2.1

TREE MEASUREMENT FOR BIOMASS

Required Equipment

Diameter tape

2.2

Laser range finder(Trupulse)

Tag number

Stapler gun

Survey Team

Survey team consisting of five people per team, will include:
1. Data Recorder – to record all the data. The recorder should stand in thecentre of the nested plot being measured. He/she should track thosemeasuring the trees and should try and ensure that no trees are missed.
2. Laser range finder operator – to measure the total height.
3. Dbh/tag person – to measure tree diameter and later put the tree numbered
tag to the tree stem.
4. Botanist – to identify the tree species, and
5. General worker.

13

2.3

Diameter Measurement

In main plot (60 x 60 m), all individual trees with > 10 cm diameter at breast height(dbh) will be tagged and measured, whereas for individuals with 5 – 10 cm dbh will
be tagged and measured inside the subplot (Quadrate A1 & A2) (Figure 2).

A 1.3m stick shall be prepared and used during measurement
to reduced the human error.
For each tree, place the stick against the tree to indicate thepoint of measurement.
Placement of the stick depends on the ground slope, leaning
angle of tree and tree bole shape (Figure 4).

Tree diameter will be measured using diameter tape.
If the diameter tape has a hook, push the hook into the barkof the tree slightly to secure it and pull the tape to the right.
The diameter tape should always start left and be pulled rightaround the tree. As the diameter tape wraps around the tree
and returns to the hook, the tape should be above the hook.
The tape should not come around the tree below the hook.
The tape should not be upside down; the numbers must be
right side up.
Tree diameter should be measured to the nearest
0.1 cm (eg: 10.2 cm instead of 10 cm)

All measured individuals trees shall be tagged with a plastic
numbered tag and nail to tree stem using stapler gun. Tree tag
should be placed at the measurement point (1.3m).
Dbh (or diameter, d above the buttresses) of each individual
tree will then be recorded in the Field Form (Annex 2).

However, in the events of unsual tree form, point of measurement should be locatedas follow (Figure 4).

1

Slope: always place stick and measure diameter on the upper slope side of tree.

2

14

Leaning tree: always measure the height of a measurement (eg. 1.3m) parallel withthe tree, not perpendicular to the ground. Therefore, if the tree is leaning, measure
underneath the lean, parallel with angle of tree. If a tree is not straight, a tapemeasure must be used to measure the bole distance from ground to location of
measurement (e.g. DBH).
Multi stem tree: If the tree is multi stemmed with forking below the point of
measurement (eg. 1.3m), measure the diameter on each stem and tag the stems
that exceed the minimum diameter for the nest. Record it as if each stem weredifferent tree on the data sheet, but with a note that the stems make up one tree.

Figure 4. Point of diameter measurement

To ease the census, avoid either missed trees or double recording and minimize
human errors, measurement shall be conducted quadrate by quadrate (A1 to F6)
with clock-wise rotation (Figure 2).

15During data collection in the field, the team member responsible forrecording must repeat all measurements call by the team member
conducting the measurement. This is to ensure the measurement
call was acknowledged and that proper number is recorded on thedata sheet. It is also the responsibility of team leader to double
check to make sure that all data are correctly and completely filled.
The team leader must ensure the data recorded matches with field
conditions. (Winrock, 2014)

2.4

Tree Mapping

Tree location should be map in the map data sheet. The map data sheet is a large
format copy of a plot with the quadrat outline. A tree was indicated on the map by
a small circle with dot corresponding to the center of the stem.

Figure 5. An example of map
data sheet

16

2.5

Total Height Measurement

Total height is an important tree variable. It is well correlated with other important
tree and stand parameters such as tree volume and the quality of site conditions.
Total tree height must be measured if height has been included as a tree variable in
the allometric equation/s that will be used.
Total tree height is the distance along the axis of the bole of the tree from ground to
the uppermost point of the tree.
Total height will be measured using laser range finder such as trupulse.
Height will be measured from 5 individual trees per dbh class, selected randomly
within six predetermined dbh class, which is:1) 05.0 – 0.99 cm
2) 10.0 – 29.9 cm
3) 30.0 – 49.9 cm4) 50.0 - 70 cm5) 70-90 cm and6) 90 cm and above
To measure height:
1. Find the best location to view the
top of the tree.
2. Stand as far as possible away fromthe tree so that the top of the tree isless than 90 degrees above the lineof sight.
3. Always stand up-slope of the tree.
Standing down-slope of the tree
should only take place when noother option exists.
4. Using laser range finder,a) Measure distance from eye of
person measuring tree to the tree. It
is important to ensure that distance measured is horizontal, not along theslope.
b) Measure the angle in degree (°) to base of the tree.
c) Measure the angle in degree (°) to top of the canopy of the tree.
d) The total height measurement will be automatically calculated (based on
trigonometry principle) and the measurement should be recorded in the fieldform (Annex 2) to the nearest 0.1 meter.

174(a). Measure thehorizontal distance

2.5

4(b).Measure thebase angle

4(c). Measure the
top angle

Tree Identification

Generally, vegetative characteristics of the tree will be used to determine thespecies. It includes tree stem, buttress, root, bark texture, canopy form, canopy
colour, leaf arrangement and leaf form. Below are different techniques used in
identifying species on site, including:

A little slash or cut to thetree stem to determine
bark texture, smell etc.

The use of 'lastik' for leaf
sample collection

Referring to the 'pocket
checklist'

Techniques of species identification

Species characteristics as listed in the „Pocket Checklist of Timber Trees‟ (Wyatt-Smith& Kochummen 1999) and the „Tree Flora of Malaya‟ (Whitmore 1973 & Ng 1989) shallbe used as a guide. Each individual tree shall be identified up to species level (or as
far as possible). The species name will be recorded in the field form (Annex 2).

18

Complete samples (should include leaf, fruit and flower) of any unidentified
individuals will be collected. Samples will be tag with unique ID and will be recordedin the field form. Samples should be stored inside newspaper and temporarypressed until drying process. Later, the sample should be identified in Herbarium.

Figure 6. Amongst the equipment required for tree
identification. Equipment include parang, lastik andsmall stone, binocular, paper tag and newspaper.

Figure 7. Leaf sample collection

19

DATA ENTRY ANDANALYSIS

PART 320

PART 3:DATA ENTRY AND ANALYSISThe carbon stock represented by standing trees is calculated as one half the tree
biomass. Biomass can be estimated from the permanent sample plot measurement
data by using an allometric equation that relates biomass, including branches andleaves, of a tree to the tree’s dbh or to both tree dbh and tree height.
For the purpose of this training, a template datasheet in excel worksheet format andsimple interface (trial version) for calculating biomass and carbon stock had beendeveloped.
This chapter will eloborate on how to key in the data to the datasheet, calculate
the biomass stocking and table the analysis results according to specificobjective (such as by study plot, category and state) which later will be use forreport writting.

3.1

Data Entry

A template datasheet in excel format has been developed to be used with TBA. In
order for TBA tool to run perfectly, the datasheet should follow the format as
described below:
Datasheet should consist of 18 heading columns (Table 1) , start with column A. It
heading columns goes with TREEID, FOR RESERVE, COMPART, CATEGORY, PLOT NO,
SPP, QUADRATE, MAJ GRP and DBH (Figure 8). The first 9 columns (A – I), arecompulsory and the sequence cannot be changed as it was programmed to be
used for calculation later on. Columns 10 to 18 (J – R) are DBH CLASS, HEIGHT,
H=(1/DHrelation), Stem(Ws), Branch(Wb), Leaves(Wl), Root(Wr), AGB and TOTALBIOMASS (Figure 9). This column will be automatically fill up when the calculation run
using TBA.
Excel
columnA
B
CD

TREEIDFOR RESERVECOMPART
CATEGORY

E
F
G
H

PLOT NOSPPQUADRATE
MAJ GRP

Column heading

Description
Tree number
Name of the forest reserve
Compartment name
Forest category
1 - Hill unlogged
2 - Hill logged >10 years
3 - Hill logged < 10 years
4 - Lowland unlogged
5 - Lowland logged > 10 years
6 - Lowland logged < 10 years(Subject to changes)
Plot number
Species name (up to species level or genus)
Quadrate
Major group
1 – Dipterocarp species
2 – Non dipterocarp species

21

ExcelcolumnI

Column heading
DBHJ

DBH CLASS

K
L

HEIGHT
H=(1/DH RELATION)

M

Stem (Ws)N

Branch (Wb)O

Leaves (WL)

Description
Diameter at breast height measurement (tothe nearest 0.1 m)
Predetermine dbh class
1. 05.0 – 0.99 cm
2. 10.0 – 29.9 cm
3. 30.0 – 49.9 cm
4. 50.0 - 70 cm
5. 70-90 cm and6. 90 cm and above(subject to changes)
Measured height in meter
Height calculated using allometric equation
develop by Kato et al. (1978)(for trees thathas not been measured height)
1/H = 1/(2.0 D) + 1/61
Calculation of stem biomass using allometricequations develop by Kato et al. (1978)
Ws= 0.0313(D2H)0.9733
Calculation of branch biomass using
allometric equations develop by Kato et al.
(1978)
Wb = 0.136WS1.070
Calculation of leaves biomass using
allometric equations develop by Kato et al.
(1978)
1/WL = 1/〖0.124WS〗0.794 + 1/125

P

Root (Wr)

Q

AGB

R

TOTAL BIOMASS

Root biomass = Below ground biomass (BGB)
calculated using allometric equations
developed by Niiyama et al. (2010).
Wr = 0.023 x D2.59.
Above ground biomass value, consists ofstem (Ws), branch (Wb) and leaves (WL)biomass.
AGB = Ws + Ws + WL
Total tree biomass. Sum of AGB and BGB.

Table 1. Datasheet column format

Raw data shall be key in into column A to K. The data should be as complete as
possible. Wherever, there is no informations available, the column should be left
blank.
Please save your excel datasheet into Excel 1997-2003 Workbook if you are using
Microsoft Office 2007 and above version.

22

To ensure that data is entered correctly, the person entering data
will recheck all of the data entered and compare it with original
hard copy data sheet before entering another sheet. It is advisedthat field team leader either enter the data or participate in thedata entry process.
Team leader should have a goodunderstanding of the study sites and can provide insightful
assistance regarding potential unusual situations identified in data
sheets. After all data has been entered into computer files(s), a
random check shall be conducted. Sheets shall be selected
randomly for re-check and compared with data entered. Tenpercent of all data sheets shall be checked for consistency andaccuracy in data entry. (Winrock, 2014)
1
99

2
9

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Figure 8. Column 1 to 9 of excel datasheet

10
8

11
9

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

The calculation outputs will be shown in excel fileFigure 9. Column 10 to 18 of excel datasheet. The column need to be blank.

3.2

Installation Guide for Tree Biomass Analysis (TBA) Tool

A simple interface using visual basic program was developed in order to calculatebiomass. Data for each tree will be calculated for its above and below groundbiomass which include stem, branch, leaves and root biomass. Later, tonne carbon
per hectare will be calculated and be the final output.
In order to operate this program, the user should follow below instruction:
To operate TBA conveniently, user should use the high-speed computer. Suggested
processor speed (CPU) is 300 Mhz and above with memory (RAM) at least 128 Mb.
Higher speed of CPU and bigger RAM will reduce calculation time. TBA work on
computer with any Microsoft Windows operating system and the data files format isin Microsoft Excel (*.xls).

23

For installation:
1. Place TBA installation CD into CD-Rom drive.

2. Click the icon

to begin installation.

3. The massage box appears “Copying files. Please standby”. Click OK button
to resume installation.

4. To continue save the installation file in the default directory, click the
button. To change directory, click icon
destination folder. To begin installation, click

and specify the.

24

5. Click OK, when the installation was completed.

3.3

Data Analysis

TBA was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 that creates GUI (Graphic User
Interface) for easier manipulation by user. The simple interface allows users tointeract with the software without technical or mathematical method approach.
Users only need to select the file using the open button in order to link the softwareto the datasheet.

Figure 10. Graphic user interface for TBA

25

Below are step by step procedures to use TBA:
1. Click icon

(1) to select excel data file.

2. Select the excel datasheet to be used in the analysis (2) and click icon
(3) to export the excel datasheet in the FlexGrid (4). It should be noted that, theexcel datasheet must follow the standard template as describe in Part 3 (3.1).
3. To change excel datasheet, click

4. Icondatasheet.

(6) summarized the total rows and columns from the excel

7

8
10

(5).

9

2

1

5

6

3

4

5. From the pull down menu, click(7) to run the calculation. The result
outputs will then be shown in the FlexiGrid (4)26Figure 11. Example of the TBA result outputs

6. To summarize the result output based on plot, select(8).

7. The result outputs should be exported to MS Excel (9) and save the result output as
an excel file for further analysis (Figure 12).

8. Click End from pull down menu(10) to exit TBA tool.

Further analysis will be run in MS Excel and based on the specific objectives.

27

Figure 12. The result outputs in excel file28

ESTIMATION OF TREEBIOMASS AND
CARBON STOCKS;REPORT WRITTINGPART 429

PART 4: ESTIMATION OF TREE BIOMASS AND CARBONSTOCKS; REPORT WRITTING
Estimation of biomass and carbon stocking for a particular forest area should bepresented in a simple and standard manner, yet effective and meningful outcome
for forest manager . Hence, this section will guide the reader on how to interprete
the result gathered from Part 3 of this Manual, and produced a standard report on
estimation of tree biomass and carbon stocks.
Generally, a report on estimation of tree biomass and carbon stock should containthe following informations:a) Area informations, including
i. compartment number
ii. forest reserveiii. forest type/category, andiv. plot number (for future reference)b) Summary result divided by total value, major species group (dipterocarp andnon-dipterocarp) and predetermined diameter class of:i. tree density
ii. basal areaiii. volume
iv. biomass (Above and below ground biomass), andv. carbon
As results produced by the program, the user need to further interprate it. Different
user may have different intrepretation, depend on their objectives. However thismanual give ordinary interpretation which usually used in the research paper.
Firstly the user need to come out with the stand table. The stand table will contain
number, species, dbh, basal area and volume for each tree. Later, combination of
all the data will give total tree number, basal area and volume. It also can be
potray by species or species group. The stand table will guide the user how rich orpoor the forests are. Its also will indirectly tell the user the level of recovery
happened to the forests area due to activities done within the area.
Information from the stand table then further analyse and parameter such as
biomass, i.e. stem, branch and leaves biomass, will be produced. Same as standtable, the result from this table can be seen by single species or species group either
by study plot, forest category or state level. This table will allow the user to further
understand how much biomass can be produce by each tree or forest area.
Finally, amount of above ground carbon for each tree, later by single species or
species group either by study plot, forest category or state level, can be produced.
From this table the user will know how much carbon can be fix by each tree orcertain forest area. Impact of forest activities on carbon store or carbon release canbe detected if we have series of PSP measurement. Forest activities can be of forest
harvesting in permanent forest reserve or change of land use to another activities
other than forest tree. Change of land use normally happen in stateland forest. The

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below ground carbon further can be calculated by multiplying converting factor of
0.5 as indicated by IPCC.
The whole activities then can be potray into a bigger scale of at the national level.
By comparing carbon stock of other forest area at the same category, the user canfurther judge wheather their forest is at par, below or at the upper level. The sameprocedure as one to compare at the national level. In general term, forests that
store higher carbon are better. Forest with lower carbon content implies that suchforestry activities cause carbon release.

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CLOSING
Forests store large amounts of carbon and thus play a key role in the global carbon
budget and possibly in mitigating climate change. Conversely, forest degradation,
damage and clearance lead to carbon emissions, with global deforestation being amajor contributor to the increase in atmospheric CO2. The total carbon content offorests consists of living above and below ground biomass, dead organic matter(dead wood and litter) and soil organic matter, of which tree biomass is often thedominant component. Silviculture may influence both forest biomass and biomass
production and decomposition and may lead to either the accumulation of carbon
or to degradation. Therefore, historic and current forest management greatly
influences the amount of carbon stored in the above ground biomass, soils, and inforest products. In this context we need to distinguish between (1) carbon storage,
which is the amount of carbon stored in trees and soils, expressed as amounts inmetric tonnes or Mg per hectare, and (2) carbon sequestration or release, which
describes the flux of carbon either taken up or released from forests and soils, in
metric tonnes or Mg per hectare per year. Both storage and flux can be expressed inunits of carbon (C) or in CO2 equivalents.
In general, there is a gradual development towards full carbon accounting, at
national as well as at regional and local (project) scales, with full integration of forest
inventory. Thus these manual will insight general guidelines in establishing PSPs andtheir potential to estimate forest carbon budgets and GHG emissions. Extending
forest resource assessments from mere carbon stock assessments to the integrated
assessment of disturbances as well as climate change and forest management
effects will provide a comprehensive information base for the implementation of
measures to maintain and enhance the mitigation potential of forests and otherforest ecosystem.

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ANNEX 1

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ANNEX 2

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Copyright @ January 2015
Natural Forest Program
Forestry and Environment Division
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
52109 Kepong
SelangorTel: 03-62797182

Fax : 03-62729852

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