Allometric Relationships for Predicting Aboveground Biomass, Sapwood, and Leaf Area of Two-Needle Piñon Pine (<i>Pinus edulis</i>) Amid Open-Grown Conditions in Central New Mexico

Abstract Pinus edulis Engelm. is a short-stature, drought-tolerant tree species that abundant in piñon-juniper woodlands throughout semiarid ecosystems of the American Southwest. P. model among ecophysiological disciplines, with considerable research focus given to hydraulic functioning and carbon partitioning relating mechanisms mortality. Many ecological studies require robust estimates structural traits such as biomass, active sapwood area, leaf area. We harvested twenty trees from Central New Mexico ranging size 1.3 22.7 cm root crown diameter (RCD) derive allometric relationships measurements RCD, maximum height, canopy area (CA), aboveground biomass (AGB), (AS), (AL). Total foliar mass was measured subset individuals scaled AL per report strong nonlinear relationship AGB function both RCD whereas CA linearly. AS expressed power RCD. Both exhibited linear (R2 = 0.99), increased nonlinearly AL. improve on current models by expanding range sampled supplement existing literature for this species. Study Implications: Land managers need better understand water dynamics changing how those can be sustainably used now future. This study two-needle pinon (Pinus Engelm.) Mexico, USA, uses observations unoccupied aerial vehicles, field measurements, harvesting followed laboratory analysis develop widespread These plant sap flow, which turn will help scientists land ecosystem services provided pine across North America.