Seabuckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia D. Don.), an important multi-purpose tree, is
found at altitudes of 2000–3600 m amsl in Nepal, but so far no models have been
developed for estimating the biomass of this species, thus hampering resource
assessment and management planning. Hence, the objective of this study was
to develop local biomass models for wood, fruit, and leaves of Seabuckthorn. In
November 2006, a diameter-stratified sample of 30 trees was harvested in Lete
and Kunjo Village Development Committees at an altitude of about 2300 m amsl
in the lower part of Mustang District, Nepal. The fresh weight of fruit and oven-dry
weight of wood (stem and branches) and leaves were measured and used as a
basis for developing biomass models. Diameters of the trees were measured at
30 cm above ground whereas the heights were measured in terms of the total
tree height (m). Among several models tested, the models suggested for local
use were: ln(woody biomass, oven-dry, kg) = -3.083 + 2.436 ln(diameter, cm), ln
(fruit biomass, fresh, kg) = -3.237 + 1.346 ln(diameter, cm) and ln(leaf biomass,
oven-dry, kg) = -4.013 + 1.403 ln(Diameter, cm) with adjusted coefficients of
determination of 0.99, 0.73 and 0.91 for wood, fruit, and leaves, respectively. The
models suggested for a slightly broader range of environmental conditions were:
ln (woody biomass, oven-dry, kg) = -3.277 + 0.924 ln(diameter2
× height), ln(Fruit
biomass, fresh, kg) = -3.146 + 0.485 ln(diameter2
× height) and ln(leaf biomass,
oven-dry, kg) = -4.121 + 0.532 ln(diameter2
× height) with adjusted coefficients of
determination of 0.99, 0.68, and 0.92 for wood, fruit, and leaves, respectively. The
models can be used in assessment of Seabuckthorn resources and above-ground
carbon and in the management of these resources by communities and others.