Chlorophyll content in eucalypt vegetation at the leaf and canopy scales as derived from high resolution spectral data

The physiological status of forest canopy foliage is influenced by a range of factors that affect leaf pigment content and function. Recently, several indices have been developed from remotely sensed data that attempt to provide robust estimates of leaf chlorophyll content. These indices have been developed from either hand-held spectroradiometer spectra or high spectral resolution (or hyperspectral) imagery. We determined if two previously published indices (Datt 1999), which were specifically developed to predict chlorophyll content in eucalypt vegetation by remote sensing at the leaf scale, can be extrapolated accurately to the canopy. We derived the two indices from hand-held spectroradiometer data of eucalypt leaves exhibiting a range of insect damage symptoms. We also derived the indices from spectra obtained from high spectral and spatial resolution Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager 2 (CASI-2) imagery to determine if reasonable estimates at a scale of < 1 m can be achieved. One of the indices (R 850/R 710 index, where R is reflectance) derived from hand-held spectroradiometer data showed a moderate correlation with relative leaf chlorophyll content (r = 0.59, P < 0.05) for all dominant eucalypt species in the study area. The R (850)/R (710) index derived from CASI-2 imagery yielded slightly lower correlations over the entire data set (r = 0.42, P < 0.05), but correlations for individual species were high (r = 0.77, P < 0.05). A scaling analysis indicated that the R (850)/R (710) index was strongly affected by soil and water cover types when pixels were mixed, but appeared to be invariant to changes in proportions of understory, which may limit its application.     

Seasonal variations in leaf area index,leaf chlorophyll,and water content; scaling-up to estimate fAPAR and carbon balance in a multilayer,multispecies temperate forest

Seasonal differences in phenology between coniferous and deciduous tree species need to be considered when developing models to estimate CO(2) exchange in temperate forest ecosystems. Because seasonal variations in CO(2) flux in temperate forests are closely correlated with plant phenology, we quantified the phenology of forest species in a multilayered forest with patches of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.) in Brasschaat, Belgium. A scaling-up modeling approach was developed to simulate reflectance at the leaf and canopy scales over a one-year cycle. Chlorophyll concentration, water content, specific leaf area and leaf area index of the forest species were measured throughout an entire year (1997). Scaling-up from the leaf to canopy was achieved by linking the PROSPECT and SAIL models. The result is the annual progression of the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR) in a 1 km(2) forest area, which can be directly related to high-resolution, remotely sensed data.     

Variation in morphological and biochemical O3 injury attributes of mature Jeffrey pine within canopies and between microsites

Crown morphology and leaf tissue chemical and biochemical attributes associated with ozone (O3) injury were assessed in the lower, mid- and upper canopy of Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) growing in mesic and xeric microsites in Sequoia National Park, California. Microsites were designated mesic or xeric based on topography and bole growth in response to years of above-average precipitation. In mesic microsites, canopy response to O3 was characterized by thinner branches, earlier needle fall, less chlorotic leaf mottling, and lower foliar antioxidant capacity, especially of the aqueous fraction. In xeric microsites, canopy response to O3 was characterized by higher chlorotic leaf mottling, shorter needles, lower needle chlorophyll concentration, and greater foliar antioxidant capacity. Increased leaf chlorotic mottle in xeric microsites was related to drought stress and increased concurrent internal production of highly reactive oxygen species, and not necessarily to stomatal O3 uptake. Within-canopy position also influenced the expression of O3 injury in Jeffrey pine.     

Estimating above-ground biomass by fusion of LiDAR and multispectral data in subtropical woody plant communities in topographically complex terrain in North-eastern Australia

We investigated a strategy to improve predicting capacity of plot-scale above-ground biomass （AGB） by fusion of LiDAR and Land- sat5 TM derived biophysical variables for subtropical rainforest and eucalypts dominated forest in topographically complex landscapes in North-eastern Australia. Investigation was carried out in two study areas separately and in combination. From each plot of both study areas, LiDAR derived structural parameters of vegetation and reflectance of all Landsat bands, vegetation indices were employed. The regression analysis was carded out separately for LiDAR and Landsat derived variables indi- vidually and in combination. Strong relationships were found with LiDAR alone for eucalypts dominated forest and combined sites compared to the accuracy of AGB estimates by Landsat data. Fusing LiDAR with Landsat5 TM derived variables increased overall performance for the eucalypt forest and combined sites data by describing extra variation （3% for eucalypt forest and 2% combined sites） of field estimated plot-scale above-ground biomass. In contrast, separate LiDAR and imagery data, andfusion of LiDAR and Landsat data performed poorly across structurally complex closed canopy subtropical minforest. These findings reinforced that obtaining accurate estimates of above ground biomass using remotely sensed data is a function of the complexity of horizontal and vertical structural diversity of vegetation.     

几个典型的叶片/冠层模型

着重介绍了6个典型的叶片/冠层模型。它们是: Prospect模型; SAIL模型; 两层冠层双向反射率模型;Geosail模型; 同类多层冠层简单的各向异性反射率模型; 具快速, 可反演特性的冠层反射率模型(FCR) (所收集的另外一些模型在参考文献中列出)。用户可根据自己的需要结合模型的适应范围, 选择适当的模型。这些模型对波谱库的波谱模拟有重要的价值。     

Improving predictions of forest growth using the 3-PGS model with observations made by remote sensing

Measurements made by remote sensing can characterize the leaf area density and nitrogen/chlorophyll content of forest canopies, as well as maximum photosynthetic capacity and above-ground structure and biomass. Combining these with climate data estimated from relationships based on temperature measurements and using an appropriate process-based model, it is possible to calculate, with useful accuracy, carbon sequestration and wood production by different forest types covering large land areas. To broaden its application and reduce the need for detailed information on stand characteristics, a satellite-driven version of the model 3-PG, was developed. The 3-PGS model incorporates the major first-order physiological processes that determine forest growth, and the biophysical factors that affect and govern those processes. It incorporates remotely sensed estimates of seasonal variation in canopy light interception (fPAR) and includes physiological variables (stomatal conductance and canopy quantum efficiency) that can be estimated by remote-sensing measurements of factors that influence those variables. 3-PGS therefore provides a useful framework within which to evaluate how data from the array of airborne and satellite-borne sensors now available might be used to initialize, drive, and test process-based growth models across regions with diverse soils and climates. We address the question: to what extent might additional remote-sensing techniques improve 3-PGS predictions?Sensitivity analyses indicate that model accuracy would be most improved through better estimates of seasonal changes in canopy photosynthetic capacity (α) and canopy conductance (G_c). Canopy photosynthetic capacity depends on the amount of light absorbed by the canopy, estimated as a fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (fPAR), and on foliage nitrogen or chlorophyll content, which can be estimated using multi-spectral imagery. G_c depends on canopy leaf area index (L) and stomatal conductance of the foliage (g_s), which is affected by the vapor pressure deficit of the air and soil water content. The onset and effects of drought can be determined from changes in canopy reflectance and fPAR identified from sequential measurements; the same measurements, coupled with calculations of evapotranspiration using climatic data and standard formulae, provide estimates of total available water in forest root zones. Periodic surveys with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and interferometric RADAR may serve to validate model predictions of above-ground growth (NPP_A), while progressive reduction in light-use efficiency (NPP_A/APAR) may identify forests with declining vigor that are likely to succumb to attack from insects and pathogens.     

Apple stem grooving virus naturally infects Himalayan wild cherry (Prunuscerasoides D. Don)

Himalayan wild cherry (Prunus cerasoides), widely distributed in the Himalayas, was found to exhibit severe virus‐like symptoms (chlorotic spots, chlorosis along the margins of the leaf and necrotic spots). Of 47 symptomatic and asymptomatic leaf samples tested through DAS‐ELISA, dot‐blot hybridization and RT‐PCR, only three were found to be positive for Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) infection. The complete coat protein gene from all the three positive samples was molecularly characterized and sequencing of the amplicons confirmed presence of the virus. The three characterized isolates of Himalayan wild cherry (HWC‐15, HWC‐16 and HWC‐47) grouped with the ASGV apple isolates from India, Brazil and China. Of the three, two isolates (HWC‐15 and HWC‐47) shared around 100% sequence identity among themselves while 96.2% with the third isolate (HWC‐16) (both at nucleotide and amino acid level), respectively. While they all shared an overall identity of around 92.8–99% at (aa) and 86.5–99.5% at (nt) with rest of the isolates from different hosts and geographical locations. Experimental host range of the variant HWC‐16 isolate identified C. amaranticolor, C. sativus, C. quinoa, P. vulgaris, N. benthamiana and N. glutinosa as positives for the ASGV isolate‐inducing epinasty, symptomless carrier, chlorotic spots, interveinal chlorosis, chlorotic spots and chlorotic patch. To the best of our knowledge, this is a first report of natural infection of ASGV on Himalayan wild cherry.     

基于植被丰度分析的城市植被胁迫遥感监测

以混合像元分解提取植被丰度作为主要手段,研究基于广州市区东边建成区的Hyperion高光谱遥感影像,以遥感影像预处理—特征选择—SMACC混合像元分解的步骤提取出植被丰度图,再进行PPI迭代运算纯化,提取出7种表征植被健康状况差异端元的PPI影像。经实地考察植被胁迫位置的周边人类活动的情况,结合植物生理学和光谱学分析反射率波谱曲线的变化,解释植物受到胁迫的原因,以期为城市绿地调查管理提供参考。     

森林冠层叶片氮浓度高光谱遥感反演研究进展

氮素是植物生命活动所需的重要营养元素,在森林植被的光合作用和生态系统固碳方面起着关键作用。因此,理解森林叶片氮浓度在叶片和冠层（遥感像元）尺度上的高光谱特征,是开展森林冠层叶片氮浓度（CNC）遥感反演、优化森林碳循环模拟、应对气候变化的重要基础工作。当前,森林CNC的光谱特征提取受到冠层结构因素的影响,其高光谱遥感反演的理论亦不明确。文中通过梳理国内外大量植被叶氮高光谱反演的代表性研究成果,以时间为轴线从叶片和冠层2个尺度上进行文献综述,详细阐述当前国内外森林叶氮浓度高光谱遥感反演的主要方法、研究热点和面临的问题,并对近年来学界关于森林冠层结构在冠层叶片氮浓度遥感反演中的影响进行综述,并展望森林冠层叶氮浓度高光谱遥感反演的发展方向。     

Seasonal photosynthetic gas exchange and leaf reflectance characteristics of male and female cottonwoods in a riparian woodland

Cottonwoods (Populus spp.) are dioecious phreatophytes of hydrological and ecological importance in riparian woodlands throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In streamside zones of southern Alberta, groundwater and soil water typically decline between May and September. To understand how narrowleaf cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia James) are adapted to this seasonal decrease in water availability, we measured photosynthetic gas exchange, leaf reflectance, chlorophyll fluorescence and stable carbon isotope composition (delta(13)C) in trees growing in the Oldman River valley of southern Alberta during the 2006 growth season. Accompanying the seasonal recession in river flow, groundwater table depth (Z(gw)) declined by 1.6 m, but neither mean daily light-saturated net photosynthetic rate (A(max)) nor stomatal conductance (g(s)) was correlated with this change. Both A(max) and g(s) followed a parabolic seasonal pattern, with July 24 maxima of 15.8 micromol m(-2) s(-1) and 559 mmol m(-2) s(-1), respectively. The early summer rise in A(max) was related to an increase in the chlorophyll pool during leaf development. Peak A(max) coincided with the maximum quantum efficiency of Photosystem II (F(v)/F(m)), chlorophyll index (CI) and scaled photochemical reflectance index (sPRI), but occurred one month after maximum volumetric soil water (theta(v)) and minimum Z(gw). In late summer, A(max) decreased by 30-40% from maximum values, in weak correlation with theta(v) (r(2) = 0.50). Groundwater availability limited late-season water stress, so that there was little variation in mean daily transpiration (E). Decreasing leaf nitrogen (% dry mass), CI, F(v)/F(m) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were also consistent with leaf aging effects. There was a strong correlation between A(max) and g(s) (r(2) = 0.89), so that photosynthetic water-use efficiency (WUE; A(max)/E) decreased logarithmically with increasing vapor pressure deficit in both males (r(2) = 0.75) and females (r(2) = 0.95). The male:female ratio was unequal (2:1, chi(2) = 16.5, P < 0.001) at the study site, but we found no significant between-sex differences in photosynthetic gas exchange, leaf reflectance or chlorophyll fluorescence that might explain the unequal ratio. Females tended to display lower NDVI than males (P = 0.07), but mean WUE did not differ significantly between males and females (2.1 +/- 0.2 versus 2.5 +/- 0.2 mmol mol(-1)), and delta(13)C remained in the -28.8 to -29.3 per thousand range throughout the growth season, in both sexes. These results demonstrate changes in photosynthetic and water-use characteristics that collectively enable vigorous growth throughout the season, despite seasonal changes in water supply and demand.     

Reflectance features of water stressed Larix gmelinii needles

In recent years, Xing’an larch (Larix gmelinii) has been seriously infected by pests and drought. In order to improve the accuracy of monitoring the damage to larch by remote sensing (RS) and to predict the health of the larch, we studied the reflectance features of larch needles under different water conditions at the needle level by using the LIBERTY (Leaf Incorporating Biochemistry Exhibiting Reflectance and Transmittance Yields) model. Before applying the LIBERTY model, we recalibrated it for the needles of L. gmelinii based on ten field-measured spectral curves. After recalibration, LIBERTY can accurately model the needle reflectance spectra of L. gmelinii. Based on the recalibrated LIBERTY model, we extracted and analyzed the sensitive bands to needle water content by simulating the needle reflectance spectra under different drought conditions. Then, we established mathematical equations between the spectral indices (MSI, NDWI, and GVMI) and needle water content. Results show that the variations of larch needle water content can significantly change the needle spectra at the near-infrared and short-wave infrared bands. The higher the water content is, the higher the absorption peak is. We believe that our study will provide the theoretical basis and an optional method to investigate the forest water stress using multi-spectral or hyper-spectral remote sensing data.     

Differences in chemical composition relative to functional differentiation between petioles and laminas of Fraxinus excelsior

Differences in structural and nonstructural carbohydrates, lignin and chlorophyll, and Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) activity between petioles and leaflets were studied along a canopy light gradient in Fraxinus excelsior L., which has pinnate compound leaves and up to 20% of foliar biomass invested in petioles. Long-term light conditions at the sampling locations were characterized by values of seasonal mean integrated quantum flux density (Q(int), mol m(-2) day(-1)) estimated by combining data from hemispherical photographs at the sampling locations with measurements of global solar radiation above the canopy during the growing season. The contribution of petioles to leaf carbon assimilation was disproportionally lower than that of leaf laminas. Though the light relationships of assimilative compounds-foliar chlorophyll concentration increasing with decreasing Q(int) to improve leaf absorptance, foliar N concentration and Rubisco activity being relatively constant along the light gradient-were similar for both petioles and leaflets, petiole nitrogen and chlorophyll concentrations were only 30% and 10%, respectively, of those of leaflets. Nonstructural carbohydrate concentration was about 20% higher in petioles than in leaf laminas, indicating that petioles also serve as storage tissues for photosynthates. Relationships between foliar structural carbon components and irradiance-increasing lignin (L) and decreasing structural polysaccharide (SP) concentrations with increasing Q(int)-were qualitatively similar for petioles and leaflets. However, petioles had lower L, but higher SP and total investment in structural compounds (L + SP) than leaflets. Greater lignification at high irradiances in leaflets than in petioles was attributed to greater water stresses at high light, and to more variable water contents of actively transpiring leaflets. Low lignin concentration in combination with high osmotically active carbohydrate concentrations in petioles suggest that turgor plays an important role in the mechanical properties of petioles. As a result of lower lignin and protein concentrations, the glucose cost of petiole construction (g glucose per g dry mass) was about 5% lower than that of leaf laminas.     

Reflectance features of water stressed Larix gmelinii needles

In recent years,Xing'an larch(Larix gmelinii) has been seriously infected by pests and drought.In order to improve the accuracy of monitoring the damage to larch by remote sensing(RS) and to predict the health of the larch,we studied the reflectance features of larch needles under different water conditions at the needle level by using the LIBERTY(Leaf Incorporating Biochemistry Exhibiting Reflectance and Transmittance Yields) model.Before applying the LIBERTY model,we recalibrated it for the needles of L.g...     

Assessment of oak forest condition based on leaf biochemical variables and chlorophyll fluorescence

Pedunculate oak forests (Quercus robur L.) in the Ticino Regional Park, Italy, are declining as a result of insect attacks, summer droughts and air pollution. The assessment and monitoring of forest condition can provide a basis for managing and conserving forest ecosystems and thereby avoid loss of valuable natural resources. Currently, most forest assessments are limited to ground-based visual evaluations that are local and subjective. It is therefore difficult to compare data collected by different crews or to define reliable trends over years. We examined vegetation variables that can be quantitatively estimated by remote observations and, thus, are suitable for objective monitoring over extended forested areas. We found that total chlorophyll (Chl) concentration is the most suitable variable for assessing pedunculate oak decline. It is highly correlated with visual assessments of discoloration. Furthermore, Chl concentration can be accurately estimated from leaf optical properties, making it feasible to map Chl concentration at the canopy level from satellite and airborne remote observations.     

森林生态系统叶片暗呼吸时空动态及其影响因子

作为森林生态系统一个重要的呼吸通量,叶片呼吸在森林碳循环中扮演着重要的角色。开展叶片呼吸的机理及其影响因子研究,有助于构建大气和植被之间的呼吸通量模型,预测分析气候变化对森林生态系统生产力和碳源汇功能的影响。通常采用Li - 6400光合测定系统和LAI - 2000树冠分析仪测定森林生态系统叶片呼吸速率。叶片呼吸是一个复杂的生物化学过程,受到大气温度、CO₂浓度、土壤水分、叶片寿命、叶龄、比叶面积、叶片氮含量等多种因子的影响。叶片呼吸的日变化通常呈单峰曲线,与温度变化大体一致; 生长季早期和晚期的呼吸速率通常高于中期; 叶片在冠层着生位置影响其呼吸速率,冠层上部叶片的呼吸速率要高于冠层下部叶片。今后叶片呼吸研究应围绕以下4个关键问题:1) 模型构建时需要考虑叶片呼吸的温度驯化;2) 叶片呼吸在昼夜交替时内在调节机制;3) 从叶片呼吸到冠层呼吸的尺度转化;4) 加强和完善叶片呼吸影响因子研究。     

基于高光谱信息的107杨叶片等效水厚度估算模型的研究

[目的]为实现杨树叶片水分高光谱信息进行快速、准确估算,[方法]将实测杨树叶片等效水厚度作为水分含量表征量,并测定叶片高光谱数据,同时,利用辐射传输模型模拟不同等效水厚度条件下的叶片尺度和冠层尺度的高光谱反射数据,通过分析常用水分植被指数对等效水厚度的敏感性,利用植被指数比值的方法构建新等效水厚度植被指数(GVMI/MSI)。通过GVMI/MSI、全球植被水分指数(GVMI)、水分胁迫指数(MSI)分别对杨树叶片尺度和冠层尺度等效水厚度估算精度进行比较分析。[结果]表明:GVMI指数、MSI指数以及新建GVMI/MSI指数的叶片尺度杨树叶片等效水厚度估算模型的精度R2分别为0.997、0.995、0.998;冠层尺度杨树叶片等效水厚度估算模型精度分别为0.837、0.836、0.973,其中,新建GVMI/MSI指数为杨树叶片等效水厚度估算最佳指数。[结论]GVMI/MSI构建的杨树叶片等效水厚度模型的预测精度较高,是杨树叶片等效水厚度的最佳估算模型。     

Seasonal and spatial variations in leaf nitrogen content and resorption in a Quercus serrata canopy

To elucidate the relationships between spatiotemporal changes in leaf nitrogen (N) content and canopy dynamics, changes in leaf N and distribution in the canopy of a 26-year-old deciduous oak (Quercus serrata Thunb. ex. Murray) stand were monitored throughout the developmental sequence from leaf expansion to senescence, by estimating the leaf mass and N concentrations of all the canopy layers. Seasonal changes were observed in leaf N concentration per unit leaf dry mass (N (m)), which peaked after bud burst, declined for two weeks shortly thereafter, and then remained constant for the rest of the growing season for each canopy layer. Leaf N concentration per unit leaf area (N (a)) was higher in the upper layer than in the lower layer throughout the growing season, and was closely correlated with relative irradiance (RI) in the summer when the air temperature was moderately high. The N concentrations of all leaf layers started to decrease in November, and reached their lowest values in late November, whereas LMA scarcely changed throughout the season. The lowest N concentrations did not differ significantly among the canopy layers. Seasonal changes in the relationship between N (a) and RI were detected, indicating that N (a) is optimized temporally as well as spatially. Nitrogen resorption efficiency was highest in the upper canopy layers where larger amounts of N were invested. Based on the estimates of leaf mass and leaf N concentrations of the canopy layers, total leaf N concentration of the whole canopy was estimated to be 84.1 kg ha(-1) in the summer, and 37.3 kg ha(-1) in late November. Therefore, 46.8 kg ha(-1) of leaf N in the canopy (about 56% of the total N) was resorbed just before leaf abscission.     

Photosynthetic characteristics of Fagus sylvatica and Quercus robur established for stand conversion from Picea abies

Efforts in Europe to convert Norway spruce (Picea abies) plantations to broadleaf or mixed broadleaf-conifer forests could be bolstered by an increased understanding of how artificial regeneration acclimates and functions under a range of Norway spruce stand conditions. We studied foliage characteristics and leaf-level photosynthesis on 7-year-old European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) regeneration established in open patches and shelterwoods of a partially harvested Norway spruce plantation in southwestern Sweden. Both species exhibited morphological plasticity at the leaf level by developing leaf blades in patches with an average mass per unit area (LMA) 54% greater than of those in shelterwoods, and at the plant level by maintaining a leaf area ratio (LAR) in shelterwoods that was 78% greater than in patches. However, we observed interspecific differences in photosynthetic capacity relative to spruce canopy openness. Photosynthetic capacity (A₁₆₀₀, net photosynthesis at a photosynthetic photon flux density of 1600 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) of beech in respect to the canopy gradient was best related to leaf mass, and declined substantially with increasing canopy openness primarily because leaf nitrogen (N) in this species decreased about 0.9 mg g⁻¹ with each 10% rise in canopy openness. In contrast, A₁₆₀₀ of oak showed a weak response to mass-based N, and furthermore the percentage of N remained constant in oak leaf tissues across the canopy gradient. Therefore, oak photosynthetic capacity along the canopy gradient was best related to leaf area, and increased as the spruce canopy thinned primarily because LMA rose 8.6 g m⁻² for each 10% increase in canopy openness. These findings support the premise that spruce stand structure regulates photosynthetic capacity of beech through processes that determine N status of this species; leaf N (mass basis) was greatest under relatively closed spruce canopies where leaves apparently acclimate by enhancing light harvesting mechanisms. Spruce stand structure regulates photosynthetic capacity of oak through processes that control LMA; LMA was greatest under open spruce canopies of high light availability where leaves apparently acclimate by enhancing CO₂ fixation mechanisms.     

Interactive effects of leaf age and self-shading on leaf structure,photosynthetic capacity and chlorophyll fluorescence in the rain forest tree,Dryobalanops aromatica

In the tropical canopy tree, Dryobalanops aromatica Gaertn. f., upper-canopy leaves (UL) develop under sunlit conditions but are subjected to self-shading within the crown as they age. In contrast, lower-canopy leaves (LL) are exposed to uniform dim light conditions throughout their life span. By comparing leaf morphology and physiology of UL and LL, variations in leaf characteristics were related to leaf age and self-shading. Mass-based chlorophyll (chl) concentration and the chlorophyll/nitrogen (chl/N) ratio were lower and the chl a/b ratio was higher in UL than in LL. In UL, the chl/N ratio gradually increased and the chl a/b ratio gradually decreased with leaf aging, whereas these ratios remained unchanged with leaf age in LL. The effective quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) (DeltaF/F(m)') at a given irradiance remained unchanged with leaf age in LL, whereas DeltaF/F(m)' changed with leaf age in UL. These data indicate N reallocation within the leaves from carbon fixation components to light harvesting components and a dynamic regulation of photochemical processes of PSII in response to increased self-shading of UL. Despite the difference in light environment with leaf age between UL and LL, maximum photosynthetic rates and nitrogen-use efficiency decreased with leaf aging in both UL and LL. Constancy in the chl/N ratio with leaf age in LL indicated that the decrease in photosynthetic capacity was caused by effects other than shading, such as leaf aging. We conclude that N reallocation and acclimation of PSII to self-shading occurred even in mature leaves, whereas the change in photosynthetic capacity with leaf age was more conservative.     

Conceptual Development of a Eucalypt Canopy Condition Index Using High Resolution Spatial and Spectral Remote Sensing Imagery

Abstract

Recent advances in remote sensing technologies and image analysis provide a realistic opportunity to develop a reliable, robust indicator of forest health for Australian eucalypt forests. Using these technologies we present the development of a conceptual framework for a new indicator based on eucalypt canopy condition. The indicator, termed the Eucalypt Canopy Condition Index (ECCI), is derived from an assumed hierarchy of canopy decline symptoms, both physiological and structural. Our objective is to identify and discuss possible combinations of spectral, radiometric and spatial (scale) features from remotely sensed data that theoretically and practically correlate with each hierarchical phase of severity in canopy decline. Some of the issues associated with the development and application of the ECCI are discussed, and finally, how the ECCI could be integrated into existing or future operational systems is illustrated.