Biomass production in an age series of Bambusa bambos plantations

The biomass production in an age series of Bambusa bambos plantations was estimated, and compared with its interspecies natural stands and between genera of natural and plantation stands. There was a linear increase of the total biomass of all compartments with the age of the plantation. In the above-ground biomass, the percentage contribution of culms(81%), branches(14%) and leaves(1%) was 96%, whereas in the below-ground rhizome contribution was 4%. The total biomass ranged from 2.3 tDMha−1 (1 year) to 297.9 tDMha−1 (6 year). The mean annual biomass production was 49.6 tDMha−1, over the 6 year period. The mean periodic increment and net primary production was highest in the 5th year, during which a peak of 124.1 tDMha−1 yr−1 in net primary production was obtained.