@article{fdi:010097507,
  title = {{E}xploring allometric relationships in immature oil palm in {S}outhern {B}enin's smallholdings},
  author = {{K}oussihou{\`e}d{\'e}, {H}. and {A}holoukp{\'e}, {H}. and {F}lori, {A}. and {A}djibodou, {J}. and {H}inkati, {H}. and {A}yizannon, {R}. and {A}madji, {G}. and {C}lermont {D}auphin, {C}athy},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{A}ccurate estimation of oil palm aboveground biomass is essential for understanding growth dynamics, carbon accumulation, and resource-use efficiency, particularly during the immature stage when management practices strongly influence future productivity. {H}owever, few studies have developed non-destructive allometric equations specifically adapted to immature oil palms under {A}frican smallholder conditions. {T}his study investigated the relationships between morphometric traits and total aboveground biomass of immature oil palm trees managed by smallholders in southern {B}enin. {M}orphometric measurements were conducted on 15 immature oil palm trees aged 2 to 3 years intercropped with maize or cassava. {T}ree height ({H}_max), girth circumference ({G}irth), and crown diameter ({C}rown_diameter) were measured on standing trees. {F}rond-related variables included petiole and rachis length ({L}), dry weights ({DW}) of petiole, rachis, and leaflets, dry weight of a 0.30 m rachis fragment sampled at the midpoint, and petiole cross-sectional dimensions. {A} total of 278 fronds were analysed. {T}o predict the aboveground biomass, both linear regression and random forest ({RF}) models were applied. {R}esults showed that maximum frond biomass is reached at frond rank 10, after which it gradually declines. {U}nlike the existing equations, frond biomass was poorly predicted by rachis biomass and petiole cross-section ({R}² < 0.40). the petiole length emerged as the best predictor of frond biomass ({R}² = 0.64). {S}imilarly, the petiole length if the frond 10 was the most relevant predictor of total aboveground biomass in immature oil palms ({R}² = 0.94; {RMSELOOCV} = 0.94 kg). {T}he {INEAC} vigour index was also a relevant predictor of total aboveground biomass, but to a lesser extent than simple morphometric variables such as frond length and height. {A}lthough the proposed equations should be interpreted cautiously because of the limited sample size and single-site design, this study provides an initial framework for rapid and non-destructive biomass estimation in immature oil palms under smallholder conditions. {T}hese results could support future assessments of biomass accumulation, carbon sequestration, and the effects of management practices such as intercropping on young oil palm development.},
  keywords = {{I}mmature oil palm ; {A}boveground biomass ; {V}igour index ; {S}mallholdings ; {S}outhern benin ; {BENIN}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{T}rees {F}orests and {P}eople},
  volume = {26},
  numero = {},
  pages = {101351 [15 p.]},
  year = {2026},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.tfp.2026.101351},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010097507},
}