Abstract
The amount of biomass waste derived from pruning operations represents a potential source of renewable energy little studied or considered in local bio-economies. This research focused on direct quantification of lignocellulosic residual biomass yielded in urban tree pruning, characterisation of basic tree parameters and development of indirect biomass prediction models. Sample individuals of 30 Platanus hispanica Münchh. with mean diameter at breast height 23.56 cm, crown diameter 8.44 m, crown base height 3.76 m, and total height 11.57 m were examined. Wood formed 43.34 % of pruned biomass before the drying process and wood moisture content in wet basis reached 40.16 %. Mean quantity of dry biomass obtained per tree was 23.98 kg and standard deviation 15.16 kg. Significant coefficients of determination were observed for dry biomass and diameter at breast height (R2=0.87), as well as for dry biomass and conical and parabolic crown volume (R2=0.78). The best result (R2=0.93) was obtained from a multiple regression model with several explicative variables. Indirect biomass prediction equations and characteristics of yielded residuals derived from this research can be useful for biomass planning and management purposes. These equations can be implemented for urban inventories, and the application of logistic models. The significance of this topic is beyond doubt for urban environment, especially for the possibilities of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and perspectives of biomass utilization as a biofuel.