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Above-ground forest biomass density — reference table

Indicative ranges for above-ground biomass density (Mg C ha-1) by biome, drawn from the commonly cited synthesis literature. Values are mid-range estimates; original publications should be consulted for confidence bounds.

BiomeAGB density (Mg C ha-1)Primary citation
Tropical moist broadleaf140 – 220Saatchi et al. 2011
Tropical dry forest50 – 100Brown 1997
Temperate broadleaf90 – 160Pan et al. 2011
Temperate coniferous80 – 200Pan et al. 2011
Boreal coniferous40 – 80Pan et al. 2011
Mediterranean35 – 75Houghton 2005

References: Saatchi S.S. et al. (2011) PNAS 108:9899; Brown S. (1997) FAO Forestry Paper 134; Pan Y. et al. (2011) Science 333:988; Houghton R.A. (2005) Global Change Biology 11:945.