Cover-based allometric estimate of aboveground biomass of a non-native, invasive annual grass (Bromus tectorum L.) in the Great Basin, USA

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) presence in the Great Basin is associated with an increase fire frequency and size, likely due to increased spatial continuity of fine fuel biomass. Measurements extent cover cheatgrass are steadily improving, but strength relationship between aboveground biomass (AGB) unclear. An allometric equation that can reliably convert AGB would allow for improved incorporation regional estimates into models activity, carbon storage, net primary productivity, all which rely on We measured at 60 locations north-central used these measurements model relationship. found a strong, linear percent AGB, was after square root transformation both incorporating number days peak NDVI were measured. These results show be estimated from cover. It equations based will effective other grass species, care must taken account phenology (e.g., NDVI) estimation.