Modeling of the height–diameter relationship using an allometric equation model:a case study of stands of Phyllostachys edulis

Understanding the relationship between tree height （H） and diameter at breast height （D） is vital to forest design, monitoring and biomass estimation. We developed an allometric equation model and tested its applicability for unevenly aged stands of moso bamboo forest at a regional scale. Field data were collected for 21 plots. Based on these data, we identified two strong power relationships： a corre- lation between the mean bamboo height （Hm） and the upper mean H （Hu）, and a correlation between the mean D （Din） and the upper mean D （Du）. Simulation results derived from the aUometric equation model were in good agreement with observed culms derived from the field data for the 21 stands, with a root-mean-square error and relative root-mean-square error of 1.40 m and 13.41%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the allometric equation model had a strong predictive power in the unevenly aged stands at a regional scale. In addition, the estimated average height-diameter （H-D） model for South Anhui Province was used to predict H for the same type of bamboo in Hunan Province based on the measured D, and the results were highly similar. The allometric equation model has multiple uses at the regional scale, including the evaluation of the variation in the H- D relationship among regions. The model describes the average H-D relationship without considering the effects caused by variation in site conditions, tree density and other factors.

Effective of Microwave-KOH Pretreatment on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Bamboo

Bamboo, with its advantages of fast growth, short renovation, easy propagation and rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, is a potential feedstock for bioethanol or other biofuels production. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of microwave assistant KOH pretreatments to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of bamboo. Pretreatment was carried out by immersing the bamboo in KOH (12% and 8% w/w bamboo) solutions and exposing the slurry to microwave radiation power of 400 W for 30min. Chemical composition of the pretreated substrates and spent liquor was analyzed. Pretreated substrates were enzymatic hydrolyzed, and glucose and xylose in the hydrolysate were analyzed. The results showed that the pretreated substrate with microwave assisted KOH had significantly higher sugar yield than the untreated samples. The fermentation inhibitors formic acid, furfural, HMF and levulinic acid were much lower than acid pretreatment reported.

Bamboo and rattan: Nature-based solutions for sustainable development

INTRODUCTION Bamboo and rattan are valuable resources that can be used as nature-based solutions to several pressing global challenges by contributing to poverty reduction,the development of green industries and trade,the adaptation and mitigation of climate change,and the preservation of the environment.Largely growing in less-developed regions of the tropics and subtropics,the two plant groups are welcomed by local communities as they provide a wide variety of ecofriendly,sustainable products,livelihood opportunities,and ecosystem services.