Allometric models for estimating leaf biomass of sisal in a semi-arid environment in Kenya

Biomass is a key variable for crop monitoring and assessing carbon stocks bioenergy potential. This study aimed to develop an allometric model predicting the dry leaf biomass of sisal, agave plant with crassulacean acid metabolism grown fibre production in tropics subtropics whose can be utilised as feedstock produce biogas through anaerobic digestion. The was used estimate productivity across different stand ages sisal plantation semi-arid region south-east Kenya (annual rainfall 611 mm temperature 24.9 °C). Based on sample 38 leaves, best predictor maximum width height combined log-log regression (cross-validated R 2 = 0.96 root-mean-square error 7.69 g). mean nine 26- 36-month-old plots 11.1 Mg ha −1 yr , which could potentially yield approximately 3000 m 3 CH 4 . 55 field (400 area) ranged from 2.7 42.7 at 13.5 equals 6.3 C yielded equations similar agro-ecological zones. estimates role plantations regional storage. In addition, results provide reference regions East Africa, where such reports are few. • New models biomass. Leaf predict high accuracy. Models biomass,