Leaf area index measurements in a tropical moist forest: A case study from Costa Rica

摘要: The role of tropical forests in sustainable development mechanisms and payments for environmental services is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, there a greater need accurate detailed information about their biophysical characteristics (e.g., Leaf area index–LAI) along different stages ecological succession. Remote sensing offers the possibility providing relatively estimations such at reasonable cost most regional projects. objectives this study are to (1) document variability LAI secondary growth moist forest, (2) estimate from spectral vegetation indices (SVIs), (3) link estimation other canopy physiognomic characteristics. We found that segregation measurements by successional stage (early, intermediate, late) contributed better definition relationship between SVIs. In addition, we conclude propagation errors precision through SVI formulas must be taken into consideration with intra-site radiometric when uncertainty terms calculated. From linear regression analysis, only minimal difference nonparametric Theil–Sen classical least-squares regressions. also not does Lorentzian cumulative transition function describe SVIs, it provides an range values which each index sensitive.