Biomass

Biomass refers to the total mass of living or recently dead organic matter in an ecosystem or a given area. It encompasses all plant and animal material, including leaves, stems, roots, and reproductive organs, as well as microorganisms and their residues. Biomass is a crucial component of the planet’s carbon cycle, as it stores carbon that has been removed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Additionally, biomass serves as a renewable source of energy through processes like combustion, fermentation, or gasification, where it can be converted into biofuels or biogas. Measuring biomass is essential in ecological research, forestry, agriculture, and bioenergy production, as it provides insights into ecosystem dynamics, carbon storage potential, and the availability of renewable energy resources. Biomass estimation methods include remote sensing, direct measurements, and allometric equations based on the relationships between plant dimensions and biomass.