Leaf area index change in ice-storm-damaged sugar maple stands

Abstract

Changes in Leaf Area Index (LAI) between the summers of 1999 and 2000 were measured using the TRAC optical instrument in sugar maple stands damaged by the 1998 ice storm. Changes were determined to be significant if they were greater than the 95% bounds of the instrument precision. They were evaluated in relation to 1998 canopy damage estimates, 1999 stand treatments (lime, fertilizer, lime + fertilizer, herbicide, none), and 1999 understory vegetation cover. Results show that LAI change is significantly related to overstory damage, and understory abundance in the 0-7-m height range. Plot treatments were not related to these LAI changes, possibly due to the short time interval between application and LAI measurement.