Above-ground allometry, biomass and nutrient content of acacia mearnsii across four ages and three sites in the kwazulu-natal midlands

Allometric relationships were developed to estimate above-ground biomass across four ages and three site qualities of A. mearnsii stands. The three sites were based on high, medium and low site quality classes of productivity. Differences in biomass and the distribution of biomass between the stem, bark, live branches, dead branches and foliage components are described in relation to site and age. Relationships between biomass and light interception and plant area index are investigated and show some merit. Nutrient concentrations were used with the above-ground biomass data to estimate quantities of nutrients held in the various biomass components in each of the stands. Nutrient distributions in the above-ground biomass (AGB) were examined and compared to other studies.