Calibration and assessment of seasonal changes in leaf area index of a tropical dry forest in different stages of succession

A simple measure of the amount of foliage present in a forest is leaf area index (LAI; the amount of foliage per unit ground surface area), which can be determined by optical estimation (gap fraction method) with an instrument such as the Li-Cor LAI-2000 Plant Canopy Analyzer. However, optical instruments such as the LAI-2000 cannot directly differentiate between foliage and woody components of the canopy. Studies investigating LAI and its calibration (extracting foliar LAI from optical estimates) in tropical forests are rare. We calibrated optical estimates of LAI from the LAI-2000 with leaf litter data for a tropical dry forest. We also developed a robust method for determining LAI from leaf litter data in a tropical dry forest environment. We found that, depending on the successional stage of the canopy and the season, the LAI-2000 may underestimate LAI by 17% to over 40%. In the dry season, the instrument overestimated LAI by the contribution of the woody area index. Examination of the seasonal variation in LAI for three successional stages in a tropical dry forest indicated differences in timing of leaf fall according to successional stage and functional group (i.e., lianas and trees). We conclude that when calculating LAI from optical estimates, it is necessary to account for the differences between values obtained from optical and semi-direct techniques. In addition, to calculate LAI from litter collected in traps, specific leaf area must be calculated for each species rather than from a mean value for multiple species.     

华北落叶松人工林叶面积指数实测值与冠层分析仪读数值的比较和动态校正

叶面积指数(LAI)是森林生态系统的重要结构参数,用来反映植物叶量和群体生长特征[1-4],对生态系统水分和养分循环、地表和大气之间的相互作用等诸多过程都有重要影响[5-6],广泛应用于植物生态、植物生理、生态水文以及一些交叉学科的研究中,也可作为科学培育森林、评价林分质量的定量指     

Comparison and Dynamic Calibration between LAI Values of Larix principis-rupprechtii Plantation Determined by Canopy Scanner and Litter-fall Collection

In order to test the accuracy of the usually-used fixed calibration factor of the canopy scanner of LAI-2000 for measuring the leaf area index(LAI),a Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation was chosen in the small watershed of Xiangshuihe located at the Liupan Mountains of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of NW China,the LAI was measured in October 2010,a period from full canopy to the total fall of needles,by using both the LAI- 2000 and litterfall collection method.Then,a comparison was made between the LAI values determined by the litter-fall collection and that calculated based on the figures read from LAI-2000 and the fixed calibration factor(1.49).It showed that the average of LAI measurements of the 2 methods was very close,with a difference of only 5%.However,the calculated LAI from LAI-2000 was obviously higher than the true values determined by litter-fall collection when the canopy was full of needles;and obviously lower than the true value when the canopy was sparse after needle falling.The reason may be that LAI-2000 takes the projection of twigs as needles.So,a dynamic calibration factor is needed,especially in the seasons when the needle amount and the percentage of twigs projection in crown projection change quickly.Therefore,a statistic relation in a quadratic polynomial form between the 2 series of LAI data was well fitted. This relation can be used for a more accurate estimation of LAI based on the data read from the easilyused canopy scanners like LAI-2000.     

Allometry and evaluation of in situ optical LAI determination in Scots pine: a case study in Belgium

We evaluated several optical methods for in situ estimation of leaf area index (LAI) in a Belgian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stand. The results obtained were compared with LAI determined from allometric relationships established in the same stand. We found high correlations between branch cross-sectional area, diameter at breast height (DBH) and basal area as dependent variables, and leaf mass, needle area and crown projection as independent variables. We then compared LAI estimated by allometry with LAI determined by three optical methods (LAI-2000, TRAC and digital hemispherical photography) both before and after corrections for blue light scattering, clumping and non-leafy material. Estimates of stand LAI of Scots pine ranged from 1.52 for hemispherical photography to 3.57 for the allometric estimate based on DBH. There was no significant difference (alpha = 0.01) between the allometric LAI estimates and the optical LAI values corrected for blue light scattering, clumping and interception by non-leafy material. However, we observed high sensitivity of the optical LAI estimates to the various conversion factors, particularly to the clumping factor, indicating the need for caution when correcting LAI measured by optical methods.     

Response of LAI-2000 estimates to changes in plant surface area index in a Scots pine stand

We assessed the accuracy with which the LAI-2000 plant canopy analyzer measured changes in leaf area index (LAI) and plant area index (PAI) in a 25-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stand. Stand density was 2100 stems ha(-1) and mean tree height was 8.7 m. Needle and branch areas of the stand were reduced progressively to zero by the stepwise removal of branches on all trees growing in a circular plot with a radius of 25 m. An LAI-2000 estimate was taken after each step reduction. The needle and branch surface areas removed at each step were estimated from direct measurements and were compared with the changes in the LAI-2000 estimates. Initially (before removal of branches), directly measured PAI was 5.2 (needles = 86%, branches = 8% and stems = 6%). The LAI-2000 estimate of total surface area was 66% of direct PAI and 77% of direct LAI. There was a nonlinear relationship between the LAI-2000 estimate and directly measured PAI, such that their ratio (equivalent to the clumping factor) increased from 0.66 to 1.05 with decreasing PAI. At the last measurement, when only stems were left, the LAI-2000 estimate agreed well with the direct measurement of PAI. The LAI-2000 underestimated the direct measurement of LAI at the first three steps when LAI was > 2 and the proportion of woody area was small (< 20%). However, because the LAI-2000 estimate included stem and branch areas, it overestimated the direct measurement of LAI at the last three measurements when the proportion of woody area was large (> 20%).     

Estimating leaf area index in different types of mature forest stands in Switzerland: a comparison of methods

Leaf area index (LAI) was estimated at 15 sites in the Swiss Long-Term Forest Ecosystem Research Programme (LWF) in 2004–2005 using two indirect techniques: the LAI-2000 plant canopy analyzer (Licor Inc.) and digital hemispherical photography, applying several exposure settings. Hemispherical photographs of the canopy were analysed using Hemisfer, a software package that offers several new features, which were tested here: (1) automatic thresholding taking the gamma value of the picture into account; (2) implementation of several equations to solve the gap-fraction inversion model from which LAI estimates are derived; (3) correction for ground slope effects, and (4) correction for clumped canopies. In seven broadleaved stands in our sample set, LAI was also estimated semi-directly from litterfall. The various equations used to solve the gap-fraction inversion model generated significantly different estimates for the LAI-2000 measurements. In contrast, the same equations applied in Hemisfer did not produce significantly different estimates. The best relationship between the LAI-2000 and the Hemisfer estimates was obtained when the hemispherical photographs were overexposed by one to two stops compared with the exposure setting derived from the reading of a spotmeter in a canopy gap. There was no clear general relationship between the litterfall and the LAI-2000 or the hemispherical photographs estimates. This was probably due to the heterogeneity of the canopy, or to biased litterfall collection at sites on steep slopes or sites subject to strong winds. This study introduces new arguments into the comparison of the advantages and drawbacks of the LAI-2000 and hemispherical photography in terms of applicability and accuracy.     

Effects of leaf aggregation in a broad-leaf canopy on estimates of leaf area index by the gap-fraction method

We compared leaf area index (LAI) estimates of a broad-leaf tropical hardwood, Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud (‘Ōhi’a), using a optical method (LI-COR LAI-2000) and direct determination (harvest and allometry). There was a strong correlation between LAI estimates by the two methods, but direct estimates were higher than the optical estimates by a factor of 2.44. The ratio of harvest leaf area to projected leaf area within twigs was similar (2.42) to that of whole plots, suggesting that aggregation of leaves at this scale of branching may account for most of the underestimate by the optical method. The within-branch ratio of actual to projected leaf area did not differ among three sites on three islands of varying land surface age but similar climate, suggesting that a correction factor determined by harvest could be used to adjust optical estimates of LAI in other M. polymorpha forests.     

Estimation of LAI in the forested watershed using ASTER data based on Price’s model in summer and winter

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important parameter to identify the water balance in forested watershed as a biological factor influencing directly on the evapotranspiration in the forest area. The purpose of this study was to estimate the LAI in a small forested watershed in summer and winter by applying the Terra/Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data to the LAI estimation method. In this study, the estimation was based on the absorption and scattering processes of the solar radiation in the vegetation canopy and the spectral reflectance characteristics of soil vegetation. First, we estimated LAI based on Price’s model by application of ASTER data on the forested watershed located in the Tenzan Mountains of Saga, Japan. To validate the results of LAI estimation, secondly, we compared them to the measured LAI obtained by a plant canopy analyzer (LAI-2000) on the observation area inside the target region. This study showed that the LAI estimation method was a feasible and accurate method as indicated by the high relationship (r = 0.97) between LAI derived from ASTER data and LAI measured by LAI-2000. This paper is the first report on LAI estimation using Terra/ASTER data based on Price’s model and field investigation. This LAI estimation method is a reliable and applicable method.     

Validation of an efficient visual method for estimating leaf area index in clonal Eucalyptus plantations

Leaf area index (LAI) is a key ecophysiological parameter in forest stands because it characterises the interface between atmospheric processes and plant physiology. Several indirect methods for estimating LAI have been developed. However, these methods have limitations that can affect the estimates. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and applicability of a visual method for estimating LAI in clonal Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla plantations and to compare it with hemispherical photography, ceptometer and LAI-2000^® estimates. Destructive sampling for direct determination of the actual LAI was performed in 22 plots at two geographical locations in Brazil. Actual LAI values were then used to develop a field guide with photographic images representing an LAI range of 1.0–5.0 m² m^?2 (leaf area/ground area). The visual LAI estimation guide was evaluated with 17 observers in the field. The average difference between actual LAI and visual LAI estimation was 12% and the absolute difference between the two methods was less than or equal to 0.5 m² m^?2 in 77% of plots. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were high between actual LAI and hemispherical photographs (0.8), visual estimation (0.93) and LAI-2000^® (0.99) and low for the ceptometer (0.18). However, absolute values differed among methods, with the average difference between the actual and estimated LAI of [12]% for visual estimation, 28% for the LAI-2000^®, 37% for the ceptometer and ?43% for hemispherical photographs. The LAI-2000^® and ceptometer overestimated LAI in all plots, whereas hemispherical photographs underestimated the values in all measurements, showing that these methods need calibration to be used. No differences were observed between actual LAI and visual estimates across stand ages of 2–8 years and LAI of 1.5–5.3 m² m^?2 (P > 0.05). The results show that visual estimation of LAI in Eucalyptus stands is a practical method that is unaffected by atmospheric characteristics and can be used on an operational scale.     

Tropical dry forest succession and the contribution of lianas to wood area index (WAI)

The transmission and interception of light through the canopy is an important indicator of forest productivity in tropical forest ecosystems, and the amount of light that eventually reaches the forest floor is influenced by its interactions with leaves, branches, fruits, and flowers among many different canopy elements. While most studies of forest canopy light interception focus on leaf area index (LAI), very few studies have examined wood area index (WAI), which may account for a substantial component of light interception in tropical forests. The influence of lianas on the interception of light and their overall contribution to WAI is a potentially important factor, but it is generally overlooked because of its difficulty to assess. In this paper we evaluate the relative contribution that lianas have to the overall WAI and canopy openness as function of successional stage via a latitudinal comparison of sites across the Americas (Mexico, Costa Rica and Brazil). Our results suggest that lianas significantly increase WAI and decreases canopy openness. However, lianas were absent at all of our study sites where canopy openness exceeded 60%. Our data are the first to explicitly document the role of lianas in the estimation of WAI and, overall, they will contribute to better estimations of ecosystem level LAI in tropical environments, where there is a lack of data on WAI.     

城市绿地园林树种叶面积指数测定方法研究——以小叶榕为例

分别采用半球面影像技术和LAI-2000冠层分析仪对华南地区最常用园林树种小叶榕(Ficus microcarpa)的叶面积指数(Leaf Area Index,LAI)进行测定、比较和分析。研究表明,2种测量仪器所测LAI值存在极显著正相关(P<0.001);用半球面影像技术测量的LAI值与冠幅、胸径和树高之间也存在极显著一元线性关系,构建回归模型分别为:LAI=0.0444Cw+1.6526,LAI=0.0088D+1.8327,LAI=0.0543H+1.6404;通过模型可估测小叶榕单株的叶面积指数,达到95%的置信区间的估测值范围。     

Optical and litter collection methods for measuring leaf area index in an old-growth temperate forest in northeastern China

Hemispherical photographs combined with litter collection were applied to determine seasonal dynamics of leaf area index (LAI) between the period of maximum leaf area and the leafless period from an old-growth temperate forest in the Xiaoxing’an Mountains, northeastern China. Our objective is to explore the change in the relationship between “true” LAI and effective LAI (calculated only from hemispherical photography) and to find the best LAI estimation models. Effective LAI in November is corrected for contribution of woody material and clumping at shoot and beyond shoot levels, to give minimum “true” LAI. The “true” LAI in each period is estimated as a sum of the minimum “true” LAI and litter collection LAI in each period. Power function regression calibration models were then carried out between “true” LAI and effective LAI in each period and the entire litter-fall period. Then, significance tests were applied to detect the differences among different models. The results showed that the average “true” LAI ranged from 2.74 ± 0.54 on November 1 to 6.64 ± 1.34 on July 1. For the entire season, average effective LAI was 53.16 % lower than the average “true” LAI. After significance tests, calibration models were classified into two types: (1) maximum LAI period and the period of maximum leaf fall; (2) the period during which leaves began falling and all deciduous leaves had fallen. Based on our experience, we believe that the classified models can produce reliable and accurate LA1 values for the needle and broad-leaved mixed forest stands under the non-destructive condition.     

两个热带树种（柚木和印度实竹）叶面积指数估测异速生长方程

通过破坏性抽样、相片网格法和落叶采受器法,获得了印度Shoolpaneshwar野生动物禁猎区内生长的柚木和印度实竹叶面积指数。建立了一个异速生长方程来决定两个树种的叶面积指数。结果表明,异速生长方程获得的叶面积指数与破坏性抽样、相片网格法和落叶采受器法评估得到的指数值相近;2种测定方式下,柚木的均方根误差分别是0.90和1.15,印度实竹的均方根误差分别为0.38和0.46。估计的和计算获得的叶面积指数值匹配性较好,说明用建立的方程计算得到的2个树种叶面积指数的准确性较好。总之,冠幅伸展是一个估计树木叶面积较好的且敏感的参数。本文所提出的方程可以用作估计热带柚木和印度实竹叶面积指数。图4表1参22。     

黄土高原区不同密度刺槐林冠层结构特征及月动态变化

为合理经营黄土高原区刺槐人工林,利用LAI-2200植物冠层分析仪,研究了不同密度刺槐人工林冠层结构特征及月变化。结果表明:密度对LAI(叶面积指数)有影响,随着密度的增加,林分叶面积指数趋于一致;在生长月份上,LAI为先增后降趋势,最大值出现在6月底。密度与冠层开度呈显著负相关,随着密度的增加,刺槐林DIFN明显降低,925～1 125株/hm2与其他3个密度林分有显著性差异;DIFN(无截取散射)随月份的变化均呈"V"字型变化,在6月底至8月初DIFN最低。密度与MTA(平均叶倾角)呈显著正相关,密度在925～1 125株/hm2范围的刺槐林分,叶片几乎处于水平状态,其他3种密度林分MTA均在40°～50°之间有最大分布频率,而月份对MTA影响不显著。对叶面积指数与冠层开度进行回归分析,发现两者之间呈指数回归关系(R2=0.998)。     

基于土壤水分承载力的林分密度计算与调控——以六盘山华北落叶松人工林为例

立地水分条件决定的植被承载力是干旱缺水地区森林合理经营的重要依据。考虑到干旱缺水地区的森林蒸散耗水在水分输出中占据绝对主导地位,其大小直接与叶面积指数(LAI)相关,将林冠LAI在生长季一段时间内的最大值(LAImax)作为植被承载力(LAIc)的量化指标,利用冠层分析仪(LAI-2000),在六盘山香水河小流域和叠叠沟小流域的44个华北落叶松人工林样地,实测了冠层LAI的季节动态变化,研究了生长季内LAImax与林分断面积、郁闭度、平均树高、密度等常用林分结构指标的关系。结果表明:LAImax与林分不同结构指标均呈幂函数关系,其决定系数(R2)依次为0.84、0.82、0.56、0.47,说明能同时反映林分密度和树体大小的林分断面积与林冠LAI相关最紧密。将LAImax与林分断面积的幂函数关系嵌入了林分平均胸径与林分密度和林龄关系的模型,用以描述LAImax与林龄和密度的关系,并利用样地实测数据拟合了模型参数。拟合建立的模型对所有样地的LAImax的计算值与实测值的相对误差平均为8.6%(0%20.4%),能较好地描述LAI与林龄和密度的关系。利用此模型,进一步导出了能依据给定的LAIc,简捷计算出不同林龄时的可承载林分密度的模型,从而为基于立地水分植被承载力的林分密度管理和森林多功能经营等提供技术支持。     

Response of Douglas-fir leaf area index and litterfall dynamics to Swiss needle cast in north coastal Oregon, USA

Sources of variation in leaf area index (LAI; m² of projected leaf area per m² of ground area) and its seasonal dynamics are not well known in managed Douglas-fir stands, despite the importance of leaf area in forecasting forest growth, particularly in stands impacted by insects or disease. The influence of Swiss needle cast (SNC) on coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii [Mirb] Franco) LAI and litterfall dynamics was quantified by destructively sampling 122 stems from 36 different permanent plots throughout north coastal Oregon, USA, and by monitoring litterfall for 3 years in 15 of these plots. LAI, total annual litterfall, and the seasonal distribution of foliage and fine woody litterfall were all influenced by stand structural attributes, physiographic features, and SNC severity. Mean LAI in this study was 5.44 ± 2.16. The relatively low LAIs were attributed primarily to the effects of SNC on foliage retention, and secondarily to its direct measurement by hierarchical foliage sampling in contrast to indirect measurement by light interception or tree allometry. For a given stand structure and SNC severity, LAI was 36% greater in the fall after current year foliage was fully developed and older aged classes had not yet senesced. Annual litterfall expressed as a proportion of LAI at the start of the growing season varied from 0.13 to 0.53 and declined with increasing initial LAI. SNC also shifted more of the annual foliage litterfall to earlier in the spring. Fine woody litterfall experienced a different seasonal shift as the peak occurred later in the year on sites with high SNC, but this only occurred on northerly aspects. Defoliation from the endemic SNC pathogen can drastically reduce LAI and change both total and seasonal foliage litterfall patterns.     

Effect of thinning on LAI variance in heterogeneous forests

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a main variable controlling carbon and water fluxes. This paper estimated the effect of thinning on the spatial distribution of leaf area in French forests. While many studies have focused on average LAI, we estimated clumping and measured both average LAI and the variation around it. LAI was derived from digital hemispherical photos at three sites: an unmanaged Fagus sylvatica forest in temperate area (control site), a mixed Mediterranean forest of Quercus ilex and Pinus halepensis, and regeneration of F. sylvatica under a mature stand of Pinus nigra in mountainous area. LAI measurements were also made with LAI 2000 devices over 5 years (from 1994 to 1998) within forest stands dominated by either beech (F. sylvatica L.), by oaks (Quercus petraea (Matus) Liebl., Quercus robur (Matus) Liebl.), or by Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Thinning led to a variable decrease in LAI. The coefficient of variation of LAI (CV_LAI) provided a useful ecological index of the level and type of thinning. For undisturbed stands, CV_LAI varied from 10% to 20%, corresponding to the higher average LAI values. Disturbances created by thinning increase LAI spatial variability, resulting in larger CV_LAI values for all stands considered. Possible explanations of these results and use in remote sensing were discussed.     

Temporal variation and efficiency of leaf area index in young mountain Norway spruce stand

Temporal variation of leaf area index (LAI) in two young Norway spruce stands with different densities was monitored during eight consecutive growing seasons (1998–2005). We focused on: (1) LAI dynamics and above-ground mass production of both spruce stands and their comparison, (2) leaf area duration (LADU), crop production index (CPI) and leaf area efficiency (LAE) evaluation, and (3) thinning impact on the above-mentioned parameters. Also, we tried to deduce the most effective LAI value for the Norway spruce forest investigated. The LAI values of both spruce stands showed a typical seasonal course. To describe the LAI dynamics of the stand, we recommend taking LAI measurements within short time intervals at the time of budding and needle expansion growth (i.e., in early spring) and close to the LAI peak, when the twig growth has been completed. The reason was that after reaching the seasonal maximum, no significant differences between subsequently obtained values were found in the following 2 months. Therefore, we recommend this period for the estimation of seasonally representative LAI values, enabling the comparison of various spruce stands. The maximum hemi-surface LAI value reached 12.4. Based on our results, the most effective LAI values for maximum above-ground biomass production were within the range of 10–11. We found an LAI over these values to be less effective for additional production of above-ground biomass. In forest practice, thinning intensity is mostly described by percentage of stocking reduction. We want to show that not only thinning intensity, but also the type of thinning is important information. The type of thinning significantly affected the stand above-ground biomass increment, canopy openness, stand LAI and LAI efficiency. The stimulating effect of high-type thinning was observed; the LAE as well as the CPI increased. Low-type thinning had no such effects on LAE increments compared to the high-type thinning with similar intensity.

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Carbon dioxide sequestration capability of an unmanaged old-growth broadleaf deciduous forest in a Strict Nature Reserve

The seasonal trend of plant carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration is related to the photosynthetic activity, which in turn changes in response to environmental conditions. Great interest has turned to the CO₂ sequestration (CS) potential of temperate forests which play an important role in global carbon (C) cycle contributing to the lowering of atmospheric CO₂ concentration. In such context, the CS of an unmanaged old broad-leaf deciduous forest developing inside a Strict Nature Reserve, and its variations during the year were analyzed considering the monthly variations of leaf area index (LAI) and net photosynthetic rates (N_P). Overall, the total yearly CS of the forest was 141 Mg CO₂ ha^?1 year^?1 with the highest CS value monitored in June (405 Mg CO₂ month^?1) due to the highest LAI (5.0 ± 0.8 m² m^?2) and a high N_P in all the broadleaf species. The first CS decline was observed in August due to the more stressful climatic conditions that constrained N_P rates. Overall, the total CS of the forest reflects the good ecological health of the ecosystem due to its conservative management.     

Seasonal leaf dynamics in an Amazonian tropical forest

The ecological consequences of climate change for large tropical forests such as the Amazon are likely to be profound. Amazonian forests strongly influence regional and global climates and therefore any changes in forest structure, such as deforestation or die-back, may create positive feedback on externally forced climate change. Monitoring, modelling and managing the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on forest dynamics is therefore an important objective of forest researchers, and one that requires long-term data on changes at the level of community, populations and phenotypes. In this paper we provide the most comprehensive study yet on the seasonal dynamics of various leaf traits: leaf area index (LAI), leaf mortality (LM), leaf biomass (LB), leaf growth rate (LG), and leaf residence time (TR) from 50 experimental plots in a forest site at Belterra, Pará State, Brazil. From this study we estimate annual mean leaf area index (LAI) to be 5.07 m² m⁻² and annual mean leaf dry biomass to be 0.621 kg m⁻². The typical leaf grew at 0.049 kg m⁻² month⁻¹ and remained on the tree for 12.7 months. We compare these results to other similar studies and critically discuss the factors driving leaf demographics in Amazonia.