Existing literature on procedures for estimating tree biomass for northeastern tree species includes a number of research studies that are specific and localized. As a result, there is little consistency in these estimation procedures, which are largely in the form of regression equations. In addition, many species are ignored that need to be quantified when inventories of forest resources are conducted over extensive areas. This makes it difficult to determine the most appropriate biomass-estimation procedures. In this paper, an evaluation is made of prediction models and their application over the entire range of northeastern tree species. Recommendations are also made on procedures for the more nontimber oriented elements of total forest biomass-shrub biomass, foliage biomass, stump and root biomass, and biomass on unproductive forest land.

S2In West Virginia, yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is abundant and is a prime candidate for increased utilization in a variety of manufacturing industries. Computer simulations are a cost-effective tool for estimating potential cutting yields from lumber. They can be used to promote increased use of yellow-poplar in the furniture, cabinet, and architectural woodworking industries and may also lead to increased utilization of the lower grades of lumber. This paper describes the data collection methods and the format of the new West Virginia yellow-poplar lumber defect database that was developed for use with computer simulation programs. The database contains descriptions of 627 boards, totaling approximately 3,800 board feet, collected in West Virginia for grades FAS, FASIF, No. 1 Common, No. 2A Common, and No. 28 Common.S3.

The Carbon Balance of Forest Biomes provides an informed synthesis on the current status of forests and their future potential for carbon sequestration. This volume is timely, since convincing models which scale from local to regional carbon fluxes are needed to support these international agreements, whilst criticisms have been levelled at existing empirical approaches. One key question is to determine how well eddy-flux measurements at the stand-level represent regional-scale processes. This may be related to specific management practices (age, plantation, fertilisation) or simple bias in choosing representative sites (ease of access, roughness, proximity to physical barriers). The ecology and regeneration state of temperate, tropical and boreal forests under current climatic conditions are discussed, together with partitioning of photosynthetic and respiratory fluxes from soils and vegetation. The volume considers how to integrate contrasting methodologies, and the latest approaches for scaling from stand to the planetary boundary layer.