Research related to Cerradão vegetation focuses more on the floristic-structural aspect, with rare studies on the quantification of volume and biomass stocks, and even fewer investigating the increments of these attributes. Using a systematic sampling method with subdivided strips and 400 m² plots, the density found was 1135, 1165, and 1229 trees/ha in 2012, 2020, and 2023, respectively, in Lajeado State Park, Tocantins State, Brazil. Volume was estimated using the equation $\mathrm{v}=0.000085{\mathrm{D}}^{2.122270}{\mathrm{H}}^{0.666217},$ and biomass was estimated using the equation $\mathrm{A}\mathrm{G}\mathrm{B}=0.0673{\left(\rho {\mathrm{D}}^2\mathrm{H}\right)}^{0.976}$. Vegetation dynamics were assessed using growth increment, recruitment, mortality, turnover rate, and time. The results indicated that dynamics have increased since the start of monitoring. Typical Cerrado species, in the strict sense, were replaced by those from forest environments. The total production in volume and biomass was 160.91 m³/ha and 118.10 Mg/ha, respectively, in 2023. The species of Emmotum nitens, Mezilaurus itauba, Ocotea canaliculata, and Sacoglottis guianensis showed the highest increment values in volume and biomass. For the community, the average values were 4.04 m³/ha/year and 3.54 Mg/ha/year. The community has not yet reached its carrying capacity and stores a significant amount of biomass. This is influenced by the transition of the study area from an exploited environment to a conservation unit (park) and by its location in a transitional area with the Amazon biome.

This study quantified total biomass stocks in Carrasco (CAR, n = 12), a dense tropical deciduous vegetation type from the Brazilian semi-arid region for which biomass information remains scarce. We also evaluated differences in floristic composition, diversity, structure, and biomass allocation patterns relative to Cerrado sensu stricto (CSS, n = 40). Forest inventories were conducted in southeastern Brazil. Woody biomass was estimated using a regional allometric equation. Roots were sampled in a position adjacent to the plots, and litter was collected at the center of each plot using a frame. Necromass was assessed along a linear transect corresponding to the length of each plot using the line-intersect method. Biomass differences between vegetation types were assessed using generalized linear and mixed-effects models (GLMs and GLMMs). Total biomass reached 45.24 Mg ha⁻¹ in CSS and 59.01 Mg ha⁻¹ in CAR. In CSS, woody biomass predominated (20.47 Mg ha⁻¹; 45%), followed by roots (18.47 Mg ha⁻¹; 41%), litter (5.49 Mg ha⁻¹; 12%), and necromass (0.81 Mg ha⁻¹; 2%). In CAR, roots were the dominant component (32.37 Mg ha⁻¹; 55%), followed by woody biomass (16.57 Mg ha⁻¹; 28%), litter (8.39 Mg ha⁻¹; 14%), and necromass (1.68 Mg ha⁻¹; 3%). CSS and CAR shared only 10% of their species and showed significant differences in total biomass (TB) and belowground biomass (BGB), while aboveground biomass (AGB), aboveground woody biomass (AGWB), litter, and necromass did not differ significantly (α = 0.05). The BGB/AGWB ratio was 1 in CAR, resembling global patterns of savanna/shrubland and grassland formations, respectively. Considering the sampling design adopted, despite the higher stem density in CAR, larger individuals in CSS compensated for structural differences, resulting in similar aboveground biomass stocks. Our findings reinforce the floristic and structural distinctiveness of Carrasco and reveal contrasting biomass allocation strategies, with a strong dominance of belowground biomass in CAR. These results demonstrate that aboveground-based assessments can substantially underestimate total biomass in semi-arid transitional vegetation and highlight the need to incorporate non-forest ecosystems into biomass inventories, conservation planning, and climate change mitigation strategies.

Accurate mapping of woody biomass and its temporal change is critical for understanding the global carbon balance, informing restoration and supporting evidence‐based policy on climate mitigation and livelihoods. The vegetation of the dry tropics, comprised largely of dry forests and savannas, holds substantial woody carbon stocks, but both stocks and change over time remain uncertain. Where Earth Observation (EO) data have been used to estimate change over time, different products give conflicting results on the direction, magnitude and location of change. We present pan‐dry‐tropical maps of aboveground carbon density (AGCD) and AGCD change at 100 m resolution for the years 2015–2024, developed using ALOS ScanSAR satellite radar observations calibrated with in situ measurements ( n = 237). These maps suggest an aboveground woody carbon pool (AGC) in the dry tropics of 25.3 2.0 PgC, ~13.0% of global AGC. Net AGC has increased by 0.43 0.07 PgC yr ⁻¹ , ~20.0% of the global net land sink. The overall net increase (0.43 PgC yr ⁻¹ ) is comprised of gross losses from deforestation and degradation (0.27 0.05 PgC yr ⁻¹ ) and gains due to densification and extensification of 0.59 0.1 PgC yr ⁻¹ , with the balance accounted for by small changes (change < 20% of AGCD; 0.11 PgC yr ⁻¹ ). Losses are equally split between degradation and deforestation, while gains are divided roughly 2:1 between the densification of woody ecosystems and expansion into previously grass‐dominated areas. These new maps, created with a dry‐tropics‐specific EO method, highlight the importance of tropical dry forests and savannas in the global carbon cycle. The prominent role of degradation‐related losses suggests that climate change mitigation will need to focus much more on reducing losses from overharvesting than at present. The widespread increases in carbon density and the increase in tree biomass into open systems present major challenges for biodiversity conservation, restoration and livelihoods.

In the Neotropical Savanna domain, few equations are available for estimating biomass stocks in Cerrado sensu stricto (CSS), despite the importance of such tools for estimating carbon stocks, understanding ecosystem functioning, and supporting conservation actions. We conducted forest inventories in 40 temporary 1000 m² plots in southeastern Brazil to estimate total and compartmental biomass stocks and to model biomass using structural and edaphic predictors. Total biomass (TB) included aboveground woody biomass (AGWB), necromass, litter, and belowground biomass (BGB). AGWB was estimated for trees with basal diameter ≥ 5 cm using a previously fitted regional equation. Root biomass was sampled using a 1 m³ trench excavated at a single point adjacent to each plot. Necromass was quantified using the line-intersect method along a 50 m transect, considering debris with diameter ≥ 3 cm. Litter was sampled using a 0.25 m² frame placed at the center of each plot. Biomass was modeled on an area basis using a hierarchical approach for TB, total tree biomass (TTB = AGWB + BGB), and AGWB. Mean stocks (Mg ha⁻¹ ± s.d.) were 45.24 ± 17.32 (TB), 20.47 ± 11.26 (AGWB), 18.47 ± 10.88 (BGB), 5.49 ± 4.18 (litter), and 0.81 ± 1.62 (necromass). Models selected using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and validated by repeated k-fold cross-validation achieved rŷy = 0.76, 0.72, and 0.94 and RMSE = 24.40%, 27.06%, and 18.10% for TB, TTB, and AGWB. As the equations were calibrated for CSS under the environmental conditions of the Brazilian semiarid region, their transferability to other Cerrado regions should be considered with caution. The inclusion of soil variables (e.g., Al, Mg, and sand) improved predictions, reducing relative costs and taxonomic dependence, while incorporating nutritional adaptations to the acidic soils characteristic of the biome.

The Cerrado is a world biodiversity hotspot threatened by land-use changes for agriculture, pastures and forestry, impacting traditional peoples. We studied tree community dynamics over 17 years in a protected area where sustainable use of resources is allowed. For this, we monitored trees in three cerrado phytophysiognomies: typical, rupestrian and sparse. Richness increased from 49 to 52 species, while species diversity and equitability remained stable. The typical and rupestrian cerrado had higher recruitment than mortality, but the sparse cerrado was unstable due to high mortality of a dominant tree species. All three cerrado types show self-regeneration and structural resilience. Mortality varied mainly due to logging and fire. Despite external pressures, the Cerrado tree community in the protected area maintains its diversity, structure and regeneration capacity, highlighting the importance of protected areas for conserving biodiversity and supporting traditional livelihoods.

O bioma Cerrado é composto por um mosaico de vegetações influenciadas por diferentes condições ambientais e históricas. Aqui apresentamos os resultados de até nove anos de monitoramento das plantas lenhosas em cinco unidades de conservação (UCs): Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins/BA-TO, Parque Nacional de Brasília/DF, Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros/GO, Parque Nacional da Serra da Bodoquena/MS e Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó/MG. Seguindo o protocolo do Programa Monitora, inventariamos sete unidades amostrais (quatro savanas e três florestas) em 2014, 2018 e 2023. Analisamos a similaridade florística entre áreas, bem como a dinâmica das vegetações e estimativas de biomassa. Houve baixa similaridade entre unidades amostrais localizadas em diferentes UCs, o que reflete a complexa heterogeneidade fisionômica e biogeográfica do Cerrado. As savanas apresentaram riqueza entre 41 e 59 espécies, diversidade entre 9,5 e 12,9 (alfa-Fisher) e biomassa entre 13,4 e 29,9 Mg/ha. Dentre as florestas, o Parque da Bodoquena (mata seca) apresentou os maiores valores de riqueza (61), diversidade (19,2) e biomassa (145,4), enquanto no Parque da Serra do Cipó (cerradão) a riqueza (27), diversidade (10,5) e biomassa (43,7) foram inferiores. Observou-se equilíbrio entre taxas de mortalidade e recrutamento, ou balanço favorável ao recrutamento, e manutenção ou incremento na biomassa. UCs submetidas a mais eventos de fogo apresentaram menores incrementos em número de indivíduos e biomassa. A continuidade e ampliação desse monitoramento auxiliará no desenvolvimento de estratégias para aprimorar o manejo e a avaliação da efetividade dessas UCs na conservação da diversidade vegetal do Cerrado.