THREE METHODS OF DETERMINING LEAF BIOMASS ON TEN WOODY SHRUB SPECIES IN NORTHEASTERN MEXICO

Abstract

In order to determine the most appropiate method in evaluating the leaf biomass of ten shrub species in a native matorral (thicket) of northeastern México, a study was conducted to test the following three non-destructive methods: 1) Adelaide, 2) double sampling or dimensional analysis and 3) double sampling of branches. These methods allow indirect relationships between leaf biomass and some characteristics of the plants by using regression analysis. The methods were used to estimate leaf weight in each species. Morphological characteristics of these species were determined using a structural analysis. No single standard method estimated leaf biomass for all species on site, because of the diversity of forms in these species. However, Adelaide was the most precise, practical and simplest method, so it could be considered the method of choice for measuring the forage leaf biomass of many shrub species.