Empirical model

The empirical modelling research has 2 main aims:

1. Create a model to estimate standing biomass from non-destructive measurements.
2. Create a predictive model of biomass productivity for the UK.

The results of the standing biomass model give the estimates of biomass increment necessary to create the predictive biomass model.

The standing biomass model allows us to get a good estimate of standing biomass, without having to take too many destructive measurements. This is important because:

• Destructive measurements are expensive
• Destructive measurements alter the future results of what you are measuring
• Unless we have a good estimate of the harvestable biomass, we cannot predict the biomass yield
• It forms the basis for a methodology for measuring the biomass on commercial SRC sites for valuation.

Analysis of the results from the first model allows us to create the predictive model, to help answer the questions:

• Where should I grow SRC?
• What variety should I grow?
• What sort of yield can I expect?

The limitations of this empirical approach are the difficulties of taking into account new varieties and changing conditions.

What's of interest

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