A quantitative description of a deciduous forest canopy using a photographic technique

Abstract

Vertical distribution of leaf area was measured using an established technique (MacArthur and Horn 1969). A technique was developed and used to quantify seasonal variation in the canopy. Leaf area index (LAI) was calculated with several techniques, which were compared to litter trap LAI values to determine their accuracy. A new technique for LAI calculation was developed, which accuractely estimated LAI at the study site and may be applied to other eastern hardwood forests. These techniques quantitatively describe a deciduous forest canopy nondestructively, with minimal equipment and labor costs, and with a high degree of accuracy. -from Authors