Quantifying the influence of plot-level uncertainty in above ground biomass up scaling using remote sensing data in central Indian dry deciduous forest

Accurate and reliable estimation of Above Ground Biomass (AGB) in tropical forests is much needed for net carbon assessments. The aim of the study is to determine the uncertainty in biomass estimation in terms of field plot size, shape and location error using field plot and remote sensing data in tropical dry deciduous forests of India. Detailed tree measurements and location mapping are performed in 13 (1 ha) plots and 1 a very large permanent plot of 32 ha and AGB is estimated using local volume equations. Remote sensing-based AGB estimated using a multiple linear regression model between the reflectance (Sentinel-2) and backscatter (Sentinel-1) with field AGB. The result shows relative root mean square error of the model decreased by approximately 50% with a plot size increase from 0.01 ha (64%) to 0.64 ha (14%). Furthermore, we also observed that the effect of global positioning system location errors in AGB modelling would be negated by increasing plot size.