Allometric models to estimate aerial biomass in secondary montane forests of northwestern Ecuador

Tropical successions are environments that cover large areas and are of great importance due to their ecological functions and extension. In Ecuador, studies on the carbon storage of these  cosystems are scarce and most of the equations are developed for humid lowland areas. The aim of this research was to generate allometric models for estimation of aerial biomass of secondary montane forests in northwestern Ecuador. A forest inventory was carried out in three secondary forests of 18, 30, and 50 years old approximately. Allometric models were developed using diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (Ht) as independent variables, and the organic matter and accumulated aerial carbon were estimated. The DAP2Ht combinatorial  ariable was the best predictor variable according to the adjustment and  alidation criteria. The model equations showed an R2 greater than 95 %, consequently the variables studied are reliable. It was determined that forests store 36.56, 70.36, and 156.27 Mg.C.ha-1 respectively, where the stem is the component with the highest storage with a range between 65.76 and 73.44%. Both branches and leaves represent between 20.98 - 25, 50% and 5.58 - 8.74% of the total aerial carbon respectively. These models could be applied effectively in ecosystems with similar environmental conditions.