Quantification of Potential Lignocellulosic Biomass in Fruit Trees Grown in Mediterranean Regions

This research was based on three species: Citrus sinensis (orange), Olea europaea (olive), and Prunus amygdalus (almond). The biomass was determined for a complete tree without roots, but including stem, branches, and canopy or crown. The obtained results demonstrate that the stem volume is slightly higher for almond trees (0.035 m3/tree) than for olive trees (0.027 m3/tree). In comparison, the average stem volume of orange trees is lower (0.006 m3/tree). On the other hand, the total biomass volume including canopy branches is similar in all three species: 0.043 m3/tree for orange tree, 0.066 m3/tree for olive tree, and 0.040 m3/tree for almond tree. The new practical quantification model for these Mediterranean agricultural crops is based on total biomass calculations normally used in forestry stands. So, the obtained values were used to develop models for biomass of the stem, branches, and canopy, relating them with the diameter and volume stem. The regression analysis shows a significant correlation with minimized estimation errors. This allows a practical use of this model in biomass calculation in standing trees, both for total tree biomass and also for pruning material.