Biomass and volume modeling in Olea europaea L. cv "Leccino"

Key message: This work demonstrates that the Olive tree, which is managed and pruned as a fruit tree, can be treated as a forest tree using allometric equations, to estimate both biomass production and volumes. Abstract: The Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an evergreen tree that can grow and accumulate a relatively high amount of dry matter, even in dry environmental conditions common in the Mediterranean basin and typical of traditional rain-fed agriculture. The objective of this research was to develop a tool to predict woody biomass and tree component volume for the olive tree, to be used for different agricultural and environmental purposes. The study was carried out in six olive groves across three locations in Italy, collecting data on the “Leccino” cultivar, which is spread worldwide. Models for volume and biomass were developed for the whole tree and its different components. Basal diameter and a diameter of 80 cm of the trunk height were explored as independent variables for modeling. The results of this study demonstrate a high correlation between the two selected variables and total biomass, above and below-ground biomass and tree component volumes. The same variables show high correlation with total leaf area, but no correlation with the root/shoot ratio, and Leaf Area Index.