measuring biomass

Question 1

measuring a dry biomass and why is it useful?

temperature?

Answer 1

• sample warmed until all water is evaporated and mass remains constant (water content varies per sample)
• dry biomass ensures representative sample
  temperature must be LOW to avoid combustion

Question 2

units for dry biomass

Answer 2

Kgm-2

Question 3

organisms are made of:

Answer 3

organic compounds therefore mass of carbon is a good indicator for biomass

Question 4

units for mass of carbon

Answer 4

Kgm-2yr-1

Question 5

calorimetry

stages:

Answer 5

used to estimate the amount of energy stored by ry biomass

1. burn sample of biomass completely
2. heat known volume of water
3. measure temp change of water to calculate energy released