LAI-2000 Accuracy, Precision, and Application to Visual Estimation of Leaf Area Index of Loblolly Pine

Jason A. Gatch; Timothy B. Harrington; James P. Castleberry

Treesearch

LAI-2000 Accuracy, Precision, and Application to Visual Estimation of Leaf Area Index of Loblolly Pine

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Jason A. Gatch, Timothy B. Harrington, James P. Castleberry

Year:

2002

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

In: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–48. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pg. 77-78

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Abstract

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important parameter of forest stand productivity that has been used to diagnose stand vigor and potential fertilizer response of southern pines. The LAI-2000 was tested for its ability to provide accurate and precise estimates of LAI of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). To test instrument accuracy, regression was used to compare needefall estimates of LAI to those from the LAI-2000. To test instrument precision, analysis of variance was used to test sources of variation including instrument drift, overcast versus clear skies, time of day, and synchronization of above- and below-canopy sensors. A regression model was developed to calibrate visual estimates of LAI with LAI-2000 estimates and measures of height and stand basal area.

Citation

Gatch, Jason A.; Harrington, Timothy B.; Castleberry, James P. 2002. LAI-2000 Accuracy, Precision, and Application to Visual Estimation of Leaf Area Index of Loblolly Pine. In: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–48. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pg. 77-78