Performance of LAI-2200 plant canopy analyzer on leaf area index of jatropha nut estimation

Abstract

Background and Objective: Leaf Area Index (LAI) of crops can be determined by many different methodologies with direct or indirect measurements. The use of sensors to estimate LAI has the advantage of fast and easy measurements, however, it is necessary to test and calibrate in order to verify its reliability. The objective of this study was to test and calibrate the LAI-2200 plant canopy analyzer on the estimative of LAI of jatropha nut trees. Methodology: The study was conducted in the experimental area of Biosystem Engineering, Department of ESALQ/USP, in Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The test was performed with 9 jatropha nut plants, by comparing estimated LAI data with LAI-2200 equipment with real LAI by destructive sampling. Results: The isolate plant measurement overestimated around 30% of real LAI and the pattern measurements underestimated around 10%. Conclusion: Both models were considered adequate according to the statistical parameters results and they can be used to correct estimated LAI in order to present better result of LAI for jatropha nut.