LAUSR

ABSTRACT Background: Traditional field-based methods of measurement of biomass and carbon storage face difficulty in collecting time-consuming and expensive, suggests the use of remote sensing-based techniques. It estimates the economic value of the aboveground biomass (AGB) using satellite remote sensing across the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Methods: The Landsat-8 OLI sensor data were combined with field-based allometric information of 186 circular sample plots. The AGB was calculated at the plot level using the collected data and specific volumetric mass for species in the studied area. It was followed by calculating the carbon storage using a 50% carbon coefficient and the photosynthesis equation at the forest parcel level. Model results using the random forest and support vector machines. The carbon sequestration value was calculated with USD 25.3 as a shadow value of carbon in 2014 and using the replacement cost approach. Results: The highest performances achieved by RF for biomass, carbon storage and the carbon storage value (Iranian Rials of 0.67% and 16%, respectively). The value was derived once at the plot level of 12.22 million IRR (370.43 USD) per ha. In addition, at the parcel level, which resulted in an estimated value of 12.87 million IRR (390.24 USD) per ha.