A general Landsat model to predict canopy defoliation in broadleaf deciduous forests

Phillip A. Townsend; Aditya Singh; Jane R. Foster; Nathan J. Rehberg; Clayton C. Kindon; Keith N. Eshleman; Steven W. Seagle

doi:10.1016/j.rse.2011.12.023

Treesearch

A general Landsat model to predict canopy defoliation in broadleaf deciduous forests

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Phillip A. Townsend, Aditya Singh, Jane R. Foster, Nathan J. Rehberg, Clayton C. Kindon, Keith N. Eshleman, Steven W. Seagle

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2011.12.023

Source:

Remote Sensing of Equipment. 119: 255-265.

Download (PDF 2.91 MB)

Download (PDF 2.91 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/41973.pdf

Abstract

Defoliation by insect herbivores can be a persistent disturbance affecting ecosystem functioning. We developed an approach to map canopy defoliation due to gypsy moth based on site differences in Landsat vegetation index values between non-defoliation and defoliation dates. Using field data from two study areas in the U.S. central Appalachians and five different years (2000, 2001, 2006, 2007, and 2008), we fit a sigmoidal model predicting defoliation as a function of the difference in the vegetation index.

Keywords

defoliation, Landsat, NDII, gypsy moth, change detection

Citation

Townsend, Phillip A.; Singh, Aditya; Foster, Jane R.; Rehberg, Nathan J.; Kindon, Clayton C.; Eshleman, Keith N.; Seagle, Steven W. 2012. A general Landsat model to predict canopy defoliation in broadleaf deciduous forests. Remote Sensing of Equipment. 119: 255-265.