Determining above and below ground biomass of Rhododendron ponticum

In this study, carried out in Artvin city located in Eastern Black Sea Region, total biomass, aboveground biomass, underground biomass, branch and leaf biomass values of Rhododendron ponticum were determined. With the aim of determining total biomass, aboveground biomass, underground biomass, branch and leaf biomass values of Rhododendron ponticum, plots were selected according to random sampling method in study area. Total 65 plots, each 5x5 m, were chosen. 5 root sampling was performed in each plot by penetrating steel cylinder which is 35 cm depth and 6.4 cm diameter into soil. For this purpose, both spring and autumn season, totally 325 root samples were taken from 65 plots. Biomass regression equations of Rhododendron ponticum were developed by means of biomass values obtained. It was found that average aboveground biomass value of Rhododendron ponticum was 16058,68 kg/ha, while total biomass value of it was 24457,12 kg/ha in study area. It was calculated that leaf biomass of Rhododendron ponticum was 4349,36 kg/ha, whereas stem biomass of it was 11709,32 kg/ha. Average aboveground biomass value of Rhododendron ponticum constituted 65,66 % of total biomass. Leaf biomass and stem biomass constituted 27,08 % and 72,92 % of aboveground biomass respectively. It was determined that 17.78 % and 47.88 % of total biomass comprise of leaf and stem biomass respectively. In this study, equations were developed to be used in biomass modelling of Rhododendron ponticum occupying a widely area in the Black Sea Region of our country especially.