On the Accuracy of Estimating Aboveground Tree Biomass in an Evergreen Forest near Manaus, Brazil. A Simulation Study

Abstract

Confidence intervals for the estimates of leaf biomass and twig/wood biomass in a tropical rain forest were calculated using data from a complete biomass inventory. The influence of sample size and calculation method (mean tree technique or regression technique) on the accuracy and precision of the biomass estimates is discerned. A stratified random sample of 10-15 percent of all trees, selected on the basis of D2H, will yield confidence intervals (P = 0.05) of 75-125 percent and 90-110 percent for the estimate of leaf biomass or twig/wood biomass per unit area, respectively.