Image analysis measure of crown condition, foliage biomass and stem growth relationships of Chamaecyparis obtusa

摘要: Abstract Tree crown condition has been visually assessed under forest health monitoring programs in many countries, but the assessments suffer from observer bias and lack of information on relationship with actual foliage biomass (FM). It is hypothesized here that image analysis measure DSO, based fractal tree images taken ground, closely related to FM stem growth would help interpret results visual assessments. Thirty-two Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) two even-aged stands (22 39 years old) were felled photographed. DSO values calculated FM, size current volume increment (VI) measured. was found that, by pooling data both stands, density (FMD) (dry weight foliage, divided surface area, CSA) showed a strong linear relation (r2=0.973) proportionality product CSA (CSA×DSO) (r2=0.990). Stem VI also had CSA×DSO, slopes fitted curves being significantly different. The could be useful non-destructively estimating FMD and, when coupled measurements growth, efficiency.