Estimating Herbaceous Aboveground Biomass Using an Indirect Method Based on the Herbaceous Layer Characteristics
Ousmane Diatta,
Adjoua Ange-Jokébed N’goran,
Cofélas Fassinou,
Paulo Salgado,
Ousmane Ndiaye,
Sékouna Diatta,
Daouda Ngom,
Torbern Tagesson,
Simon Taugourdeau
Affiliations
Ousmane Diatta
Zootechnical Research Center, Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute, Dahra BP 01, Senegal
Adjoua Ange-Jokébed N’goran
Zootechnical Research Center, Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute, Dahra BP 01, Senegal
Cofélas Fassinou
Department of Plant Science, Sciences and Technics Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar BP 5005, Senegal
Paulo Salgado
Joint Research Unit—Mediterranean and Tropical Livestock Systems, Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal
Ousmane Ndiaye
Zootechnical Research Center, Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute, Dahra BP 01, Senegal
Sékouna Diatta
Department of Plant Science, Sciences and Technics Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar BP 5005, Senegal
Daouda Ngom
Department of Plant Science, Sciences and Technics Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar BP 5005, Senegal
Torbern Tagesson
Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science, Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
Simon Taugourdeau
Joint Research Unit—Mediterranean and Tropical Livestock Systems, Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development, Dakar, Senegal
Background: In the Sahel, one of the largest semi-arid areas in the world, pastoral livestock is the main source of protein for the local population. The quantification of herbaceous biomass in the Sahelian rangelands is of major importance since it provides food for the livestock. The main method used to monitor the biomass consists of cutting, drying, and weighting it. However, indirect methods are available and allow a reliable biomass estimation. Methods: In this study, we developed a non-destructive method for estimating herbaceous biomass for the Sahelian rangelands based on measurements of its height and coverage. Results: Results show that the fit is better in the fenced area. The volume index (height × coverage) provides a better biomass prediction with relative differences between measured and predicted biomass of 11% in 2017 and 8% in 2019. Conclusions: Monitoring herbaceous biomass without destroying it is possible by measuring only its height and coverage.
