Excessive use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agricultural systems increases the cost of production and risk of environmental pollution. Therefore, determination of optimum N requirements for plant growth is necessary....Excessive use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agricultural systems increases the cost of production and risk of environmental pollution. Therefore, determination of optimum N requirements for plant growth is necessary. Previous studies mostly established critical N dilution curves based on aboveground dry matter (DM) or leaf dry matter (LDM) and stem dry matter (SDM), to diagnose the N nutrition status of the whole plant. As these methods are time consuming, we investigated the more rapidly determined leaf area index (LAI) method to establish the critical nitrogen (Nc) dilution curve, and the curve was used to diagnose plant N status for winter wheat in Guanzhong Plain in Northwest China. Field experiments were conducted using four N fertilization levels (0, 105, 210 and 315 kg ha?1) applied to six wheat cultivars in the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 growing seasons. LAI, DM, plant N concentration (PNC) and grain yield were determined. Data points from four cultivars were used for establishing the Nc curve and data points from the remaining two cultivars were used for validating the curve. The Nc dilution curve was validated for N-limiting and non-N-limiting growth conditions and there was good agreement between estimated and observed values. The N nutrition index (NNI) ranged from 0.41 to 1.25 and the accumulated plant N deficit (Nand) ranged from 60.38 to –17.92 kg ha?1 during the growing season. The relative grain yield was significantly affected by NNI and was adequately described with a parabolic function. The Nc curve based on LAI can be adopted as an alternative and more rapid approach to diagnose plant N status to support N fertilization decisions during the vegetative growth of winter wheat in Guanzhong Plain in Northwest China.展开更多
Climatic extremes such as drought have becoming a severe climate-related problem in many regions all over the world that can induce anomalies in vegetation condition. Growth and CO2 uptake by plants are constrained to...Climatic extremes such as drought have becoming a severe climate-related problem in many regions all over the world that can induce anomalies in vegetation condition. Growth and CO2 uptake by plants are constrained to a large extent by drought.Therefore, it is important to understand the spatial and temporal responses of vegetation to drought across the various land cover types and different regions. Leaf area index(LAI) derived from Global Land Surface Satellite(GLASS) data was used to evaluate the response of vegetation to drought occurrence across Yunnan Province, China(2001-2010). The meteorological drought was assessed based on Standardized Precipitation Index(SPI)values. Pearson's correlation coefficients between LAI and SPI were examined across several timescales within six sub-regions of the Yunnan. Further, the drought-prone area was identified based on LAI anomaly values. Lag and cumulative effects of lack of precipitation on vegetation were evident, with significant correlations found using 3-, 6-, 9-and 12-month timescale. We found 9-month timescale has higher correlations compared to another timescale.Approximately 29.4% of Yunnan's area was classified as drought-prone area, based on the LAI anomaly values. Most of this drought-prone area was distributed in the mountainous region of Yunnan.From the research, it is evident that GLASS LAI can be effectively used as an indicator for assessing drought conditions and it provide valuable information for drought risk defense and preparedness.展开更多
株高和叶面积指数(Leaf Area Index,LAI)反映着作物的生长发育状况。为了探究基于无人机可见光遥感提取冬小麦株高的可靠性,以及利用株高和可见光植被指数估算LAI的精度,本文获取了拔节期、抽穗期、灌浆期的无人机影像,提取了冬小麦株...株高和叶面积指数(Leaf Area Index,LAI)反映着作物的生长发育状况。为了探究基于无人机可见光遥感提取冬小麦株高的可靠性,以及利用株高和可见光植被指数估算LAI的精度,本文获取了拔节期、抽穗期、灌浆期的无人机影像,提取了冬小麦株高与可见光植被指数,使用逐步回归、偏最小二乘、随机森林、人工神经网络四种方法建立LAI估测模型,并对株高提取及LAI估测情况进行精度评价。结果显示:(1)株高提取值Hc与实测值Hd高度拟合(R^(2)=0.894,RMSE=6.695,NRMSE=9.63%),株高提取效果好;(2)与仅用可见光植被指数相比,基于株高与可见光植被指数构建的LAI估测模型精度更高,且随机森林为最优建模方法,当其决策树个数为50时模型估测效果最好(R^(2)=0.809,RMSE=0.497,NRMSE=13.85%,RPD=2.336)。利用无人机可见光遥感方法,高效、准确、无损地实现冬小麦株高及LAI提取估测可行性较高,该研究结果可为农情遥感监测提供参考。展开更多
Leaf area index (LAI) is an important parameter in a number of models related to ecosystem functioning, carbon budgets, climate, hydrology, and crop growth simulation. Mapping and monitoring the spatial and temporal...Leaf area index (LAI) is an important parameter in a number of models related to ecosystem functioning, carbon budgets, climate, hydrology, and crop growth simulation. Mapping and monitoring the spatial and temporal variations of LAI are necessary for understanding crop growth and development at regional level. In this study, the relationships between LAI of winter wheat and Landsat TM spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) were analyzed by using the curve estimation procedure in North China Plain. The series of LAI maps retrieved by the best regression model were used to assess the spatial and temporal variations of winter wheat LAI. The results indicated that the general relationships between LAI and SVIs were curvilinear, and that the exponential model gave a better fit than the linear model or other nonlinear models for most SVIs. The best regression model was constructed using an exponential model between surface-reflectance-derived difference vegetation index (DVI) and LAI, with the adjusted R2 (0.82) and the RMSE (0.77). The TM LAI maps retrieved from DVILAI model showed the significant spatial and temporal variations. The mean TM LAI value (30 m) for winter wheat of the study area increased from 1.29 (March 7, 2004) to 3.43 (April 8, 2004), with standard deviations of 0.22 and 1.17, respectively. In conclusion, spectral vegetation indices from multi-temporal Landsat TM images can be used to produce fine-resolution LAI maps for winter wheat in North China Plain.展开更多
Soil erosion by water under forest cover is a serious problem in southern China.A comparative study was carried out on the use of leaf area index(LAI) and vegetation fractional coverage(VFC) in quantifying soil loss u...Soil erosion by water under forest cover is a serious problem in southern China.A comparative study was carried out on the use of leaf area index(LAI) and vegetation fractional coverage(VFC) in quantifying soil loss under vegetation cover.Five types of vegetation with varied LAI and VFC under field conditions were exposed to two rainfall rates(40 mm h-1 and 54 mm h-1) using a portable rainfall simulator.Runoff rate,sediment concentration and soil loss rate were measured at relatively runoff stable state.Significant negative exponential relationship(p < 0.05,R2 = 0.83) and linear relationship(p < 0.05,R2 = 0.84) were obtained between LAI and sediment concentration,while no significant relationship existed between VFC and sediment concentration.The mechanism by which vegetation canopy prevents soil loss was by reducing rainfall kinetic energy and sediment concentration.LAI could better quantify such a role than VFC.However,neither LAI nor VFC could explain runoff rate or soil loss rate.Caution must be taken when using LAI to quantify the role of certain vegetation in soil and water conservation.展开更多
Leaf area index (LAI) is an important characteristic of land surface vegetation system, and is also a key parameter for the models of global water balancing and carbon circulation. By using the reflectance values of...Leaf area index (LAI) is an important characteristic of land surface vegetation system, and is also a key parameter for the models of global water balancing and carbon circulation. By using the reflectance values of Landsat-5 blue, green and red channels simulated from rice reflectance spectrum, the sensitivities of the bands to LAI were analyzed, and the response and capability to estimate LAI of various NDVIs (normalized difference vegetation indices), which were established by substituting the red band of general NDVI with all possible combinations of red, green and blue bands, were assessed. Finally, the conclusion was tested by rice data at different conditions. The sensitivities of red, green and blue bands to LAI were different under various conditions. When LAI was less than 3, red and blue bands were more sensitive to LAI. Though green band in the circumstances was less sensitive to LAI than red and blue bands, it was sensitive to LAI in a wider range. When the vegetation indices were constituted by all kinds of combinations of red, green and blue bands, the premise for making the sensitivity of these vegetation indices to LAI be meaningful was that the value of one of the combinations was greater than 0.024, i.e. visible reflectance (VIS)〉0.024. Otherwise, the vegetation indices would be saturated, resulting in lower estimation accuracy of LAI. Comparison on the capabilities of the vegetation indices derived from all kinds of combinations of red, green and blue bands to LAI estimation showed that GNDVI (Green NDVI) and GBNDVI (Green-Blue NDVI) had the best relations with LAI. The capabilities of GNDVI and GBNDVI to LAI estimation were tested under different circumstances, and the same result was acquired. It suggested that GNDVI and GBNDVI performed better to predict LAI than the conventional NDVI.展开更多
Layered leaf area index (LAIk) is one of the major determinants for rice canopy. The objective of this study is to attain rice LAI k using morphological traits especially leaf traits that affected plant type. A theo...Layered leaf area index (LAIk) is one of the major determinants for rice canopy. The objective of this study is to attain rice LAI k using morphological traits especially leaf traits that affected plant type. A theoretical model based on rice geometrical structure was established to describe LAI k of rice with leaf length (Li), width (Wi), angle (Ai), and space (Si), and plant pole height (H) at booting and heading stages. In correlation with traditional manual measurement, the model was performed by high R2-values (0.95-0.89, n=24) for four rice hybrids (Liangyoupeijiu, Liangyou E32, Liangyou Y06, and Shanyou 63) with various plant types and four densities (3 750, 2 812, 1 875, and 1 125 plants per 100 m2) of a particular hybrid (Liangyoupeijiu). The analysis of leaf length, width, angle, and space on LAI k for two hybrids (Liangyoupeijiu and Shanyou 63) showed that leaves length and space exhibited greater effects on the change of rice LAI k . The radiation intensity showed a significantly negative exponential relation to the accumulation of LAI k , which agreed to the coefficient of light extinction (K). Our results suggest that plant type regulates radiation distribution through changing LAI k . The present model would be helpful to acquire leaf distribution and judge canopy structure of rice field by computer system after a simple and less-invasive measurement of leaf length, width, angle (by photo), and space at field with non-dilapidation of plants.展开更多
The aim of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using Landsat TM data to retrieve leaf area index (LAI). To get a LAI retrieval model based ground reflectance and vegetation index, detailed field data were ...The aim of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using Landsat TM data to retrieve leaf area index (LAI). To get a LAI retrieval model based ground reflectance and vegetation index, detailed field data were collected in the study area of eastern China, dominated by bamboo, tea plant and greengage. Plant canopy reflectance of Landsat TM wavelength bands has been inversed using software of 6S. LAI is an important ecological parameter. In this paper, atmospheric corrected Landsat TM imagery was utilized to calculate different vegetation indices (VI), such as simple ratio vegetation index (SR), shortwave infrared modified simple ratio (MSR), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Data of 53 samples of LAI were measured by LAI-2000 (LI-COR) in the study area. LAI was modeled based on different reflectances of bands and different vegetation indices from Landsat TM and LAI samples data. There are certainly correlations between LAI and the reflectance of TM3, TM4, TM5 and TM7. The best model through analyzing the results is LAI = 1.2097*MSR + 0.4741 using the method of regression analysis. The result shows that the correlation coefficient R2 is 0.5157, and average accuracy is 85.75%. However, whether the model of this paper is suitable for application in subtropics needs to be verified in the future.展开更多
Using simultaneously collected remote sensing data and field measurements, this study firstly assessed the consistency and applicability of China high-resolution earth observation system satellite 1 (GF-1) wide fiel...Using simultaneously collected remote sensing data and field measurements, this study firstly assessed the consistency and applicability of China high-resolution earth observation system satellite 1 (GF-1) wide field of view (WFV) camera, environment and disaster monitoring and forecasting satellite (H J-l) charge coupled device (CCD), and Landsat-8 opera- tional land imager (OLI) data for estimating the leaf area index (LAI) of winter wheat via reflectance and vegetation indices (VIs). The accuracies of these LAI estimates were then assessed through comparison with an empirical model and the PROSAIL radiative transfer model. The effects of radiation calibration, spectral response functions, and spatial resolution on discrepancies in the LAI estimates between the different sensors were also analyzed. The results yielded the following observations: (1) The correlation between reflectance from different sensors is relative good, with the adjusted coefficients of determination (R2) between 0.375 to 0.818. The differences in reflectance are ranging from 0.002 to 0.054. The correlation between VIs from different sensors is high with the R2 between 0.729 and 0.933. The differences in the VIs are ranging from 0.07 to 0.156. These results show the three sensors' images can all be used for cross calibration of the reflectance and VIs. (2) The four VIs from the three sensors are all demonstrated to be highly correlated with LAI (R2 between 0.703 and 0.849). The linear models associated with the 2-band enhanced vegetation index (EVI2), which feature the highest R2 (higher than 0.746) and the lowest root mean square errors (RMSE) (less than 0.21), were selected to estimate the winter wheat LAI. The accuracy of the estimated LAI from Landsat-8 was the highest, with the relative errors (RE) of 2.18% and an RMSE of 0.13, while the H J-1 was the lowest, with the RE of 2.43% and the RMSE of 0.15. (3) The inversion errors in the different sensors' LAI estimates using the PROSAIL model are small. The accuracy of the GF-1 is the highest with the RE of 3.44%, and the RMSE of 0.22, whereas that of the H J-1 is the lowest with the RE of 4.95%, and the RMSE of 0.26. (4) The effects of the spectral response function and radiation calibration for the different sensors are small and can be ignored, but the effects of spatial resolution are significant and must be taken into consideration in practical applications.展开更多
The method for simulating the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of leaf area index (LAI) and biomass at landscape scale using remote sensing images and surface data was discussed in this paper. The procedure...The method for simulating the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of leaf area index (LAI) and biomass at landscape scale using remote sensing images and surface data was discussed in this paper. The procedure was: (1) annual maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) over the landscape was calculated from TM images; (2) the relationship model between NDVI and LAI was built and annual maximum LAI over the landscape was simulated; (3) the relationship models between LAI and biomass were built and annual branch, stem, root and maximum leaf biomass over the landscape were simulated; (4) spatial distribution patterns of leaf biomass and LAI in different periods all the year round were obtained. The simulation was based on spatial analysis module GRID in ArcInfo software. The method is also a kind of scaling method from patch scale to landscape scale. A case study of Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve was dissertated. Analysis and primary validation were carried out to the simulated LAI and biomass for the major vegetation types in the Changbai Mountain in 1995.展开更多
The leaf area index(LAI) is an important vegetation parameter,which is used widely in many applications.Remote sensing techniques are known to be effective but inexpensive methods for estimating the LAI of crop cano...The leaf area index(LAI) is an important vegetation parameter,which is used widely in many applications.Remote sensing techniques are known to be effective but inexpensive methods for estimating the LAI of crop canopies.During the last two decades,hyperspectral remote sensing has been employed increasingly for crop LAI estimation,which requires unique technical procedures compared with conventional multispectral data,such as denoising and dimension reduction.Thus,we provide a comprehensive and intensive overview of crop LAI estimation based on hyperspectral remote sensing techniques.First,we compare hyperspectral data and multispectral data by highlighting their potential and limitations in LAI estimation.Second,we categorize the approaches used for crop LAI estimation based on hyperspectral data into three types:approaches based on statistical models,physical models(i.e.,canopy reflectance models),and hybrid inversions.We summarize and evaluate the theoretical basis and different methods employed by these approaches(e.g.,the characteristic parameters of LAI,regression methods for constructing statistical predictive models,commonly applied physical models,and inversion strategies for physical models).Thus,numerous models and inversion strategies are organized in a clear conceptual framework.Moreover,we highlight the technical difficulties that may hinder crop LAI estimation,such as the "curse of dimensionality" and the ill-posed problem.Finally,we discuss the prospects for future research based on the previous studies described in this review.展开更多
Many studies have investigated the influence of evapotranspiration and albedo and emphasize their separate effects but ignore their interactive influences by changing vegetation status in large amplitudes. This paper ...Many studies have investigated the influence of evapotranspiration and albedo and emphasize their separate effects but ignore their interactive influences by changing vegetation status in large amplitudes. This paper focuses on the comprehensive influence of evapotranspiration and albedo on surface temperature by changing the leaf area index (LAD between 30^-90~N. Two LAI datasets with seasonally different amplitudes of vegetation change between 30^-90~N were used in the simulations. Seasonal differences between the results of the simulations are compared, and the major findings are as follows. (1) The interactive effects of evapotranspiration and albedo on surface temperature were different over different regions during three seasons [March-April-May (MAM), June-July-August (JJA), and September-October-November (SON)], i.e., they were always the same over the southeastern United States during these three seasons but were opposite over most regions between 30°-90°N during JJA. (2) Either evapotranspiration or albedo tended to be dominant over different areas and during different seasons. For example, evapotranspiration dominated almost all regions between 30^-90~N during JJA, whereas albedo played a dominant role over northwestern Eurasia during MAM and over central Eurasia during SON. (3) The response of evapotranspiration and albedo to an increase in LAI with different ranges showed different paces and signals. With relatively small amplitudes of increased LAI, the rate of the relative increase in evapotranspiration was quick, and positive changes happened in albedo. But both relative changes in evapotranspiration and albedo tended to be gentle, and the ratio of negative changes of albedo increased with relatively large increased amplitudes of LAI.展开更多
To accurately estimate winter wheat yields and analyze the uncertainty in crop model data assimilations, winter wheat yield estimates were obtained by assimilating measured or remotely sensed leaf area index (LAI) v...To accurately estimate winter wheat yields and analyze the uncertainty in crop model data assimilations, winter wheat yield estimates were obtained by assimilating measured or remotely sensed leaf area index (LAI) values. The performances of the calibrated crop environment resource synthesis for wheat (CERES-Wheat) model for two different assimilation scenarios were compared by employing ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF)-based strategies. The uncertainty factors of the crop model data assimilation was analyzed by considering the observation errors, assimilation stages and temporal-spatial scales. Overalll the results indicated a better yield estimate performance when the EnKF-based strategy was used to comprehen- sively consider several factors in the initial conditions and observations. When using this strategy, an adjusted coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.84, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 323 kg ha-1, and a relative errors (RE) of 4.15% were obtained at the field plot scale and an R2 of 0.81, an RMSE of 362 kg ha-1, and an RE of 4.52% were obtained at the pixel scale of 30 mx30 m. With increasing observation errors, the accuracy of the yield estimates obviously decreased, but an acceptable estimate was observed when the observation errors were within 20%. Winter wheat yield estimates could be improved significantly by assimilating observations from the middle to the end of the crop growing seasons. With decreasing assimilation frequency and pixel resolution, the accuracy of the crop yield estimates decreased; however, the computation time decreased. It is important to consider reasonable temporal-spatial scales and assimilation stages to obtain tradeoffs between accuracy and computation time, especially in operational systems used for regional crop yield estimates.展开更多
An inversion of bidirectional reflection distribution fiJnedon (BRDF) wastested using NK Model and NOAA AVHRR datu. The test involVed sensitiveanalysis, optimum inversion selecting, ground simulated expenment, calibra...An inversion of bidirectional reflection distribution fiJnedon (BRDF) wastested using NK Model and NOAA AVHRR datu. The test involVed sensitiveanalysis, optimum inversion selecting, ground simulated expenment, calibrahngmeasuremed with satellite and computer image processmg. Results of comparisonwith NDVI indicatal that inversion of BRDF will have brigh developing prospect inthe next decade.展开更多
Leaf area index (LAI) is used for crop growth monitoring in agronomic research, and is promising to diagnose the nitrogen (N) status of crops. This study was conducted to develop appropriate LAI-based N diagnostic...Leaf area index (LAI) is used for crop growth monitoring in agronomic research, and is promising to diagnose the nitrogen (N) status of crops. This study was conducted to develop appropriate LAI-based N diagnostic models in irrigated lowland rice. Four field experiments were carried out in Jiangsu Province of East China from 2009 to 2014. Different N application rates and plant densities were used to generate contrasting conditions of N availability or population densities in rice. LAI was determined by LI-3000, and estimated indirectly by LAI-2000 during vegetative growth period. Group and individual plant characters (e.g., tiller number (TN) and plant height (H)) were investigated simultaneously. Two N indicators of plant N accumulation (NA) and N nutrition index (NNI) were measured as well. A calibration equation (LAI=1.7787LAI2o00-0.8816, R2=0.870") was developed for LAI-2000. The linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between NA and actual LAI (R2=0.863^**). For the NNI, the relative LAI (R2=0.808-) was a relatively unbiased variable in the regression than the LAI (R^2=0.33^**). The results were used to formulate two LAI-based N diagnostic models for irrigated lowland rice (NA=29.778LAI-5.9397; NNI=0.7705RLAI+0.2764). Finally, a simple LAI deterministic model was developed to estimate the actual LAI using the characters of TN and H (LAI=-0.3375(THxHx0.01)2+3.665(TH×H×0.01)-1.8249, R2=0.875**). With these models, the N status of rice can be diagnosed conveniently in the field.展开更多
Leaf area index (LAI) of natural vegetation is recognized as the most important variable for measuring vegetation structure over large areas, and for relating it to energy and mass exchange, which has been successfull...Leaf area index (LAI) of natural vegetation is recognized as the most important variable for measuring vegetation structure over large areas, and for relating it to energy and mass exchange, which has been successfully estimated from satellite resolution sensors. In this paper, according to the statistical analysis based on a lot of forest plots, the mathematical models of LAI distribution patterns in the hydro thermal spaces for five coniferous forest types in China were established. For the cold temperate larch forests growing in the dry and cold climate, their LAI increases with the increasing of warm index and precipitation in the way of hyperbolic quadratic surface. For the cold temperate spruce fir forests and temperate Pinus tabulaeformis forests, their LAI is negatively related to the annual mean air temperature in the way of the natural exponential curve, in order to adapt to the water oppressed environments. For the subtropical Pinus massoniana forests and Cunninghamia lanceolata forests growing in the warm and moist climate, their LAI is related to the annual mean air temperature in the way of the parabolic quadratic curve.展开更多
Background: Leaf Area Index(LAI) is an important parameter used in monitoring and modeling of forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance of the artificial neural network(ANN) models to predic...Background: Leaf Area Index(LAI) is an important parameter used in monitoring and modeling of forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance of the artificial neural network(ANN) models to predict the LAI by comparing the regression analysis models as the classical method in these pure and even-aged Crimean pine forest stands.Methods: One hundred eight temporary sample plots were collected from Crimean pine forest stands to estimate stand parameters. Each sample plot was imaged with hemispherical photographs to detect the LAI. The partial correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between the stand LAI values and stand parameters, and the multivariate linear regression analysis was used to predict the LAI from stand parameters. Different artificial neural network models comprising different number of neuron and transfer functions were trained and used to predict the LAI of forest stands.Results: The correlation coefficients between LAI and stand parameters(stand number of trees, basal area, the quadratic mean diameter, stand density and stand age) were significant at the level of 0.01. The stand age, number of trees, site index, and basal area were independent parameters in the most successful regression model predicted LAI values using stand parameters(R_(adj)~2=0.5431). As corresponding method to predict the interactions between the stand LAI values and stand parameters, the neural network architecture based on the RBF 4-19-1 with Gaussian activation function in hidden layer and the identity activation function in output layer performed better in predicting LAI(SSE(12.1040), MSE(0.1223), RMSE(0.3497), AIC(0.1040), BIC(-77.7310) and R^2(0.6392)) compared to the other studied techniques.Conclusion: The ANN outperformed the multivariate regression techniques in predicting LAI from stand parameters. The ANN models, developed in this study, may aid in making forest management planning in study forest stands.展开更多
Although the distributions of foliage and light play major roles in various forest functions,accurate,nondestructive measurement of these distributions is difficult due to the complexity of the canopy structure.To eva...Although the distributions of foliage and light play major roles in various forest functions,accurate,nondestructive measurement of these distributions is difficult due to the complexity of the canopy structure.To evaluate the foliage and light distributions directly and nondestructively in a mature oak stand,we used the cube method by dividing the forest canopy into small cubes(50 cm per side)and directly measured leaf area density(LAD,the total one-sided leaf area per unit volume,i.e.,cube)and relative irradiance(RI)within each cube.The distribution of LAD and of RI was highly heterogeneous,even at the same canopy height.This heterogeneity reflected the presence of foliage clusters associated with multiple forking branches.The relationship between cumulative LAD at the canopy surface and average RI followed the Beer-Lambert law.The mean light extinction coefficient(K)was 0.32.However,K was overestimated by more than double(0.80)when calculated based on the classical method using RI at the forest floor.This overestimation was caused by the lower RI due to light absorption by nonleaf plant parts below the canopy.Our findings on the complex foliage and light distributions in canopy layers should help improve the accuracy of RI and K measurements and thus more accurate predictions of environmental responses and forest functions.展开更多
基金financial support from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC0403303)the Shanxi Agricultural University of Science and Technology Innovation Fund, China (2016YJ07 and 2016007)
文摘Excessive use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agricultural systems increases the cost of production and risk of environmental pollution. Therefore, determination of optimum N requirements for plant growth is necessary. Previous studies mostly established critical N dilution curves based on aboveground dry matter (DM) or leaf dry matter (LDM) and stem dry matter (SDM), to diagnose the N nutrition status of the whole plant. As these methods are time consuming, we investigated the more rapidly determined leaf area index (LAI) method to establish the critical nitrogen (Nc) dilution curve, and the curve was used to diagnose plant N status for winter wheat in Guanzhong Plain in Northwest China. Field experiments were conducted using four N fertilization levels (0, 105, 210 and 315 kg ha?1) applied to six wheat cultivars in the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 growing seasons. LAI, DM, plant N concentration (PNC) and grain yield were determined. Data points from four cultivars were used for establishing the Nc curve and data points from the remaining two cultivars were used for validating the curve. The Nc dilution curve was validated for N-limiting and non-N-limiting growth conditions and there was good agreement between estimated and observed values. The N nutrition index (NNI) ranged from 0.41 to 1.25 and the accumulated plant N deficit (Nand) ranged from 60.38 to –17.92 kg ha?1 during the growing season. The relative grain yield was significantly affected by NNI and was adequately described with a parabolic function. The Nc curve based on LAI can be adopted as an alternative and more rapid approach to diagnose plant N status to support N fertilization decisions during the vegetative growth of winter wheat in Guanzhong Plain in Northwest China.
基金a part of the Project on "Building Effective Water Governance in the Asian Highlands" supported by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC)National Science Foundation of China, Grant No. 31270524the CGIAR research programs on ‘Climate change adaptation and mitigation’ (CRP6.4)
文摘Climatic extremes such as drought have becoming a severe climate-related problem in many regions all over the world that can induce anomalies in vegetation condition. Growth and CO2 uptake by plants are constrained to a large extent by drought.Therefore, it is important to understand the spatial and temporal responses of vegetation to drought across the various land cover types and different regions. Leaf area index(LAI) derived from Global Land Surface Satellite(GLASS) data was used to evaluate the response of vegetation to drought occurrence across Yunnan Province, China(2001-2010). The meteorological drought was assessed based on Standardized Precipitation Index(SPI)values. Pearson's correlation coefficients between LAI and SPI were examined across several timescales within six sub-regions of the Yunnan. Further, the drought-prone area was identified based on LAI anomaly values. Lag and cumulative effects of lack of precipitation on vegetation were evident, with significant correlations found using 3-, 6-, 9-and 12-month timescale. We found 9-month timescale has higher correlations compared to another timescale.Approximately 29.4% of Yunnan's area was classified as drought-prone area, based on the LAI anomaly values. Most of this drought-prone area was distributed in the mountainous region of Yunnan.From the research, it is evident that GLASS LAI can be effectively used as an indicator for assessing drought conditions and it provide valuable information for drought risk defense and preparedness.
文摘株高和叶面积指数(Leaf Area Index,LAI)反映着作物的生长发育状况。为了探究基于无人机可见光遥感提取冬小麦株高的可靠性,以及利用株高和可见光植被指数估算LAI的精度,本文获取了拔节期、抽穗期、灌浆期的无人机影像,提取了冬小麦株高与可见光植被指数,使用逐步回归、偏最小二乘、随机森林、人工神经网络四种方法建立LAI估测模型,并对株高提取及LAI估测情况进行精度评价。结果显示:(1)株高提取值Hc与实测值Hd高度拟合(R^(2)=0.894,RMSE=6.695,NRMSE=9.63%),株高提取效果好;(2)与仅用可见光植被指数相比,基于株高与可见光植被指数构建的LAI估测模型精度更高,且随机森林为最优建模方法,当其决策树个数为50时模型估测效果最好(R^(2)=0.809,RMSE=0.497,NRMSE=13.85%,RPD=2.336)。利用无人机可见光遥感方法,高效、准确、无损地实现冬小麦株高及LAI提取估测可行性较高,该研究结果可为农情遥感监测提供参考。
文摘Leaf area index (LAI) is an important parameter in a number of models related to ecosystem functioning, carbon budgets, climate, hydrology, and crop growth simulation. Mapping and monitoring the spatial and temporal variations of LAI are necessary for understanding crop growth and development at regional level. In this study, the relationships between LAI of winter wheat and Landsat TM spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) were analyzed by using the curve estimation procedure in North China Plain. The series of LAI maps retrieved by the best regression model were used to assess the spatial and temporal variations of winter wheat LAI. The results indicated that the general relationships between LAI and SVIs were curvilinear, and that the exponential model gave a better fit than the linear model or other nonlinear models for most SVIs. The best regression model was constructed using an exponential model between surface-reflectance-derived difference vegetation index (DVI) and LAI, with the adjusted R2 (0.82) and the RMSE (0.77). The TM LAI maps retrieved from DVILAI model showed the significant spatial and temporal variations. The mean TM LAI value (30 m) for winter wheat of the study area increased from 1.29 (March 7, 2004) to 3.43 (April 8, 2004), with standard deviations of 0.22 and 1.17, respectively. In conclusion, spectral vegetation indices from multi-temporal Landsat TM images can be used to produce fine-resolution LAI maps for winter wheat in North China Plain.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40571115)the Hi-Tech Research and Development Program (863) of China (No. 2006AA120101)the National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. 2006BAD10A09)
基金the support for this research from the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2007CB407206)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.40921061)The National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2010CB950702)
文摘Soil erosion by water under forest cover is a serious problem in southern China.A comparative study was carried out on the use of leaf area index(LAI) and vegetation fractional coverage(VFC) in quantifying soil loss under vegetation cover.Five types of vegetation with varied LAI and VFC under field conditions were exposed to two rainfall rates(40 mm h-1 and 54 mm h-1) using a portable rainfall simulator.Runoff rate,sediment concentration and soil loss rate were measured at relatively runoff stable state.Significant negative exponential relationship(p < 0.05,R2 = 0.83) and linear relationship(p < 0.05,R2 = 0.84) were obtained between LAI and sediment concentration,while no significant relationship existed between VFC and sediment concentration.The mechanism by which vegetation canopy prevents soil loss was by reducing rainfall kinetic energy and sediment concentration.LAI could better quantify such a role than VFC.However,neither LAI nor VFC could explain runoff rate or soil loss rate.Caution must be taken when using LAI to quantify the role of certain vegetation in soil and water conservation.
文摘Leaf area index (LAI) is an important characteristic of land surface vegetation system, and is also a key parameter for the models of global water balancing and carbon circulation. By using the reflectance values of Landsat-5 blue, green and red channels simulated from rice reflectance spectrum, the sensitivities of the bands to LAI were analyzed, and the response and capability to estimate LAI of various NDVIs (normalized difference vegetation indices), which were established by substituting the red band of general NDVI with all possible combinations of red, green and blue bands, were assessed. Finally, the conclusion was tested by rice data at different conditions. The sensitivities of red, green and blue bands to LAI were different under various conditions. When LAI was less than 3, red and blue bands were more sensitive to LAI. Though green band in the circumstances was less sensitive to LAI than red and blue bands, it was sensitive to LAI in a wider range. When the vegetation indices were constituted by all kinds of combinations of red, green and blue bands, the premise for making the sensitivity of these vegetation indices to LAI be meaningful was that the value of one of the combinations was greater than 0.024, i.e. visible reflectance (VIS)〉0.024. Otherwise, the vegetation indices would be saturated, resulting in lower estimation accuracy of LAI. Comparison on the capabilities of the vegetation indices derived from all kinds of combinations of red, green and blue bands to LAI estimation showed that GNDVI (Green NDVI) and GBNDVI (Green-Blue NDVI) had the best relations with LAI. The capabilities of GNDVI and GBNDVI to LAI estimation were tested under different circumstances, and the same result was acquired. It suggested that GNDVI and GBNDVI performed better to predict LAI than the conventional NDVI.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC,30871479)
文摘Layered leaf area index (LAIk) is one of the major determinants for rice canopy. The objective of this study is to attain rice LAI k using morphological traits especially leaf traits that affected plant type. A theoretical model based on rice geometrical structure was established to describe LAI k of rice with leaf length (Li), width (Wi), angle (Ai), and space (Si), and plant pole height (H) at booting and heading stages. In correlation with traditional manual measurement, the model was performed by high R2-values (0.95-0.89, n=24) for four rice hybrids (Liangyoupeijiu, Liangyou E32, Liangyou Y06, and Shanyou 63) with various plant types and four densities (3 750, 2 812, 1 875, and 1 125 plants per 100 m2) of a particular hybrid (Liangyoupeijiu). The analysis of leaf length, width, angle, and space on LAI k for two hybrids (Liangyoupeijiu and Shanyou 63) showed that leaves length and space exhibited greater effects on the change of rice LAI k . The radiation intensity showed a significantly negative exponential relation to the accumulation of LAI k , which agreed to the coefficient of light extinction (K). Our results suggest that plant type regulates radiation distribution through changing LAI k . The present model would be helpful to acquire leaf distribution and judge canopy structure of rice field by computer system after a simple and less-invasive measurement of leaf length, width, angle (by photo), and space at field with non-dilapidation of plants.
基金European Com mission Project, No.ICA 4-CT-2002-10004 N ational Natural Science Foundation of China, N o. 40371081 K now ledge Innovation ProjectofCA S,N o.K ZCX 3-SW -146
文摘The aim of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using Landsat TM data to retrieve leaf area index (LAI). To get a LAI retrieval model based ground reflectance and vegetation index, detailed field data were collected in the study area of eastern China, dominated by bamboo, tea plant and greengage. Plant canopy reflectance of Landsat TM wavelength bands has been inversed using software of 6S. LAI is an important ecological parameter. In this paper, atmospheric corrected Landsat TM imagery was utilized to calculate different vegetation indices (VI), such as simple ratio vegetation index (SR), shortwave infrared modified simple ratio (MSR), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Data of 53 samples of LAI were measured by LAI-2000 (LI-COR) in the study area. LAI was modeled based on different reflectances of bands and different vegetation indices from Landsat TM and LAI samples data. There are certainly correlations between LAI and the reflectance of TM3, TM4, TM5 and TM7. The best model through analyzing the results is LAI = 1.2097*MSR + 0.4741 using the method of regression analysis. The result shows that the correlation coefficient R2 is 0.5157, and average accuracy is 85.75%. However, whether the model of this paper is suitable for application in subtropics needs to be verified in the future.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41371396,41401491 and 41471364)the Introduction of International Advanced Agricultural Science and Technology,Ministry of Agriculture,China (948 Program,2011-G6)the Agricultural Scientific Research Fund of Outstanding Talents and the Open Fund for the Key Laboratory of Agri-informatics,Ministry of Agriculture,China (2013009)
文摘Using simultaneously collected remote sensing data and field measurements, this study firstly assessed the consistency and applicability of China high-resolution earth observation system satellite 1 (GF-1) wide field of view (WFV) camera, environment and disaster monitoring and forecasting satellite (H J-l) charge coupled device (CCD), and Landsat-8 opera- tional land imager (OLI) data for estimating the leaf area index (LAI) of winter wheat via reflectance and vegetation indices (VIs). The accuracies of these LAI estimates were then assessed through comparison with an empirical model and the PROSAIL radiative transfer model. The effects of radiation calibration, spectral response functions, and spatial resolution on discrepancies in the LAI estimates between the different sensors were also analyzed. The results yielded the following observations: (1) The correlation between reflectance from different sensors is relative good, with the adjusted coefficients of determination (R2) between 0.375 to 0.818. The differences in reflectance are ranging from 0.002 to 0.054. The correlation between VIs from different sensors is high with the R2 between 0.729 and 0.933. The differences in the VIs are ranging from 0.07 to 0.156. These results show the three sensors' images can all be used for cross calibration of the reflectance and VIs. (2) The four VIs from the three sensors are all demonstrated to be highly correlated with LAI (R2 between 0.703 and 0.849). The linear models associated with the 2-band enhanced vegetation index (EVI2), which feature the highest R2 (higher than 0.746) and the lowest root mean square errors (RMSE) (less than 0.21), were selected to estimate the winter wheat LAI. The accuracy of the estimated LAI from Landsat-8 was the highest, with the relative errors (RE) of 2.18% and an RMSE of 0.13, while the H J-1 was the lowest, with the RE of 2.43% and the RMSE of 0.15. (3) The inversion errors in the different sensors' LAI estimates using the PROSAIL model are small. The accuracy of the GF-1 is the highest with the RE of 3.44%, and the RMSE of 0.22, whereas that of the H J-1 is the lowest with the RE of 4.95%, and the RMSE of 0.26. (4) The effects of the spectral response function and radiation calibration for the different sensors are small and can be ignored, but the effects of spatial resolution are significant and must be taken into consideration in practical applications.
基金One Hundred Talents Program of CAS No.CXIOG-C00-01+1 种基金 National Natural Science Foundation of China No.39970613
文摘The method for simulating the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of leaf area index (LAI) and biomass at landscape scale using remote sensing images and surface data was discussed in this paper. The procedure was: (1) annual maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) over the landscape was calculated from TM images; (2) the relationship model between NDVI and LAI was built and annual maximum LAI over the landscape was simulated; (3) the relationship models between LAI and biomass were built and annual branch, stem, root and maximum leaf biomass over the landscape were simulated; (4) spatial distribution patterns of leaf biomass and LAI in different periods all the year round were obtained. The simulation was based on spatial analysis module GRID in ArcInfo software. The method is also a kind of scaling method from patch scale to landscape scale. A case study of Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve was dissertated. Analysis and primary validation were carried out to the simulated LAI and biomass for the major vegetation types in the Changbai Mountain in 1995.
基金financed by the National High-Tech R&D Program of China(2012AA12A304)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41271112 and 41201089)
文摘The leaf area index(LAI) is an important vegetation parameter,which is used widely in many applications.Remote sensing techniques are known to be effective but inexpensive methods for estimating the LAI of crop canopies.During the last two decades,hyperspectral remote sensing has been employed increasingly for crop LAI estimation,which requires unique technical procedures compared with conventional multispectral data,such as denoising and dimension reduction.Thus,we provide a comprehensive and intensive overview of crop LAI estimation based on hyperspectral remote sensing techniques.First,we compare hyperspectral data and multispectral data by highlighting their potential and limitations in LAI estimation.Second,we categorize the approaches used for crop LAI estimation based on hyperspectral data into three types:approaches based on statistical models,physical models(i.e.,canopy reflectance models),and hybrid inversions.We summarize and evaluate the theoretical basis and different methods employed by these approaches(e.g.,the characteristic parameters of LAI,regression methods for constructing statistical predictive models,commonly applied physical models,and inversion strategies for physical models).Thus,numerous models and inversion strategies are organized in a clear conceptual framework.Moreover,we highlight the technical difficulties that may hinder crop LAI estimation,such as the "curse of dimensionality" and the ill-posed problem.Finally,we discuss the prospects for future research based on the previous studies described in this review.
基金supported by the Chi-nese Academy of Sciences Strategic Priority Research Program (Grant No. XDA05110103)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program, Grant No. 2009AA122100)
文摘Many studies have investigated the influence of evapotranspiration and albedo and emphasize their separate effects but ignore their interactive influences by changing vegetation status in large amplitudes. This paper focuses on the comprehensive influence of evapotranspiration and albedo on surface temperature by changing the leaf area index (LAD between 30^-90~N. Two LAI datasets with seasonally different amplitudes of vegetation change between 30^-90~N were used in the simulations. Seasonal differences between the results of the simulations are compared, and the major findings are as follows. (1) The interactive effects of evapotranspiration and albedo on surface temperature were different over different regions during three seasons [March-April-May (MAM), June-July-August (JJA), and September-October-November (SON)], i.e., they were always the same over the southeastern United States during these three seasons but were opposite over most regions between 30°-90°N during JJA. (2) Either evapotranspiration or albedo tended to be dominant over different areas and during different seasons. For example, evapotranspiration dominated almost all regions between 30^-90~N during JJA, whereas albedo played a dominant role over northwestern Eurasia during MAM and over central Eurasia during SON. (3) The response of evapotranspiration and albedo to an increase in LAI with different ranges showed different paces and signals. With relatively small amplitudes of increased LAI, the rate of the relative increase in evapotranspiration was quick, and positive changes happened in albedo. But both relative changes in evapotranspiration and albedo tended to be gentle, and the ratio of negative changes of albedo increased with relatively large increased amplitudes of LAI.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41401491,41371396,41301457,41471364)the Introduction of International Advanced Agricultural Science and Technology,Ministry of Agriculture,China (948 Program,2016-X38)+1 种基金the Agricultural Scientific Research Fund of Outstanding Talentsthe Open Fund for the Key Laboratory of Agri-informatics,Ministry of Agriculture,China (2013009)
文摘To accurately estimate winter wheat yields and analyze the uncertainty in crop model data assimilations, winter wheat yield estimates were obtained by assimilating measured or remotely sensed leaf area index (LAI) values. The performances of the calibrated crop environment resource synthesis for wheat (CERES-Wheat) model for two different assimilation scenarios were compared by employing ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF)-based strategies. The uncertainty factors of the crop model data assimilation was analyzed by considering the observation errors, assimilation stages and temporal-spatial scales. Overalll the results indicated a better yield estimate performance when the EnKF-based strategy was used to comprehen- sively consider several factors in the initial conditions and observations. When using this strategy, an adjusted coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.84, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 323 kg ha-1, and a relative errors (RE) of 4.15% were obtained at the field plot scale and an R2 of 0.81, an RMSE of 362 kg ha-1, and an RE of 4.52% were obtained at the pixel scale of 30 mx30 m. With increasing observation errors, the accuracy of the yield estimates obviously decreased, but an acceptable estimate was observed when the observation errors were within 20%. Winter wheat yield estimates could be improved significantly by assimilating observations from the middle to the end of the crop growing seasons. With decreasing assimilation frequency and pixel resolution, the accuracy of the crop yield estimates decreased; however, the computation time decreased. It is important to consider reasonable temporal-spatial scales and assimilation stages to obtain tradeoffs between accuracy and computation time, especially in operational systems used for regional crop yield estimates.
文摘An inversion of bidirectional reflection distribution fiJnedon (BRDF) wastested using NK Model and NOAA AVHRR datu. The test involVed sensitiveanalysis, optimum inversion selecting, ground simulated expenment, calibrahngmeasuremed with satellite and computer image processmg. Results of comparisonwith NDVI indicatal that inversion of BRDF will have brigh developing prospect inthe next decade.
基金supported by the Special Program for Agriculture Science and Technology from the Ministry of Agriculture of China (201303109)the National Key Research & Development Program of China (2016YFD0300604+3 种基金 2016YFD0200602)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China (262201602)the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China (PAPD)the 111 Project of China (B16026)
文摘Leaf area index (LAI) is used for crop growth monitoring in agronomic research, and is promising to diagnose the nitrogen (N) status of crops. This study was conducted to develop appropriate LAI-based N diagnostic models in irrigated lowland rice. Four field experiments were carried out in Jiangsu Province of East China from 2009 to 2014. Different N application rates and plant densities were used to generate contrasting conditions of N availability or population densities in rice. LAI was determined by LI-3000, and estimated indirectly by LAI-2000 during vegetative growth period. Group and individual plant characters (e.g., tiller number (TN) and plant height (H)) were investigated simultaneously. Two N indicators of plant N accumulation (NA) and N nutrition index (NNI) were measured as well. A calibration equation (LAI=1.7787LAI2o00-0.8816, R2=0.870") was developed for LAI-2000. The linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between NA and actual LAI (R2=0.863^**). For the NNI, the relative LAI (R2=0.808-) was a relatively unbiased variable in the regression than the LAI (R^2=0.33^**). The results were used to formulate two LAI-based N diagnostic models for irrigated lowland rice (NA=29.778LAI-5.9397; NNI=0.7705RLAI+0.2764). Finally, a simple LAI deterministic model was developed to estimate the actual LAI using the characters of TN and H (LAI=-0.3375(THxHx0.01)2+3.665(TH×H×0.01)-1.8249, R2=0.875**). With these models, the N status of rice can be diagnosed conveniently in the field.
文摘Leaf area index (LAI) of natural vegetation is recognized as the most important variable for measuring vegetation structure over large areas, and for relating it to energy and mass exchange, which has been successfully estimated from satellite resolution sensors. In this paper, according to the statistical analysis based on a lot of forest plots, the mathematical models of LAI distribution patterns in the hydro thermal spaces for five coniferous forest types in China were established. For the cold temperate larch forests growing in the dry and cold climate, their LAI increases with the increasing of warm index and precipitation in the way of hyperbolic quadratic surface. For the cold temperate spruce fir forests and temperate Pinus tabulaeformis forests, their LAI is negatively related to the annual mean air temperature in the way of the natural exponential curve, in order to adapt to the water oppressed environments. For the subtropical Pinus massoniana forests and Cunninghamia lanceolata forests growing in the warm and moist climate, their LAI is related to the annual mean air temperature in the way of the parabolic quadratic curve.
基金Funding from The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey(Project No:2130026)is gratefully acknowledged
文摘Background: Leaf Area Index(LAI) is an important parameter used in monitoring and modeling of forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance of the artificial neural network(ANN) models to predict the LAI by comparing the regression analysis models as the classical method in these pure and even-aged Crimean pine forest stands.Methods: One hundred eight temporary sample plots were collected from Crimean pine forest stands to estimate stand parameters. Each sample plot was imaged with hemispherical photographs to detect the LAI. The partial correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between the stand LAI values and stand parameters, and the multivariate linear regression analysis was used to predict the LAI from stand parameters. Different artificial neural network models comprising different number of neuron and transfer functions were trained and used to predict the LAI of forest stands.Results: The correlation coefficients between LAI and stand parameters(stand number of trees, basal area, the quadratic mean diameter, stand density and stand age) were significant at the level of 0.01. The stand age, number of trees, site index, and basal area were independent parameters in the most successful regression model predicted LAI values using stand parameters(R_(adj)~2=0.5431). As corresponding method to predict the interactions between the stand LAI values and stand parameters, the neural network architecture based on the RBF 4-19-1 with Gaussian activation function in hidden layer and the identity activation function in output layer performed better in predicting LAI(SSE(12.1040), MSE(0.1223), RMSE(0.3497), AIC(0.1040), BIC(-77.7310) and R^2(0.6392)) compared to the other studied techniques.Conclusion: The ANN outperformed the multivariate regression techniques in predicting LAI from stand parameters. The ANN models, developed in this study, may aid in making forest management planning in study forest stands.
基金partly supported by Grant-in-Aid for scientific research(No.17658070,22580173)from the Ministry of Education,Science and Culture,Japan“Evaluation of genetic resources for strengthening productivity and adaptability of tropical forests”from the Japan International Research Centre for Agricultural Sciences。
文摘Although the distributions of foliage and light play major roles in various forest functions,accurate,nondestructive measurement of these distributions is difficult due to the complexity of the canopy structure.To evaluate the foliage and light distributions directly and nondestructively in a mature oak stand,we used the cube method by dividing the forest canopy into small cubes(50 cm per side)and directly measured leaf area density(LAD,the total one-sided leaf area per unit volume,i.e.,cube)and relative irradiance(RI)within each cube.The distribution of LAD and of RI was highly heterogeneous,even at the same canopy height.This heterogeneity reflected the presence of foliage clusters associated with multiple forking branches.The relationship between cumulative LAD at the canopy surface and average RI followed the Beer-Lambert law.The mean light extinction coefficient(K)was 0.32.However,K was overestimated by more than double(0.80)when calculated based on the classical method using RI at the forest floor.This overestimation was caused by the lower RI due to light absorption by nonleaf plant parts below the canopy.Our findings on the complex foliage and light distributions in canopy layers should help improve the accuracy of RI and K measurements and thus more accurate predictions of environmental responses and forest functions.