Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing to Estimate Leaf Area Index of Loblolly Pine Plantations

High spectral resolution (Hyperspectral) and multispectral imagery was used to examine the spectral response of loblolly pine with contrasting LAI and foliar nitrogen concentration. The research studies included very different stand structures (age, number and size of the trees). As a result of treatments applied, seasonal, stand and site variation, the range in LAI (0.4 — 3.6 m2 m2) and foliar nitrogen concentration (0.79 — 1.62%) on our study covered most of the range observed in midrotation loblolly pine plantations. Hyperspectral data was used to calculate narrowband vegetation indices (VIs) based on reflectance in the red (R) and near infrared (NIR). LAI was linearly related to the simple ratio (SR) vegetation index, the relationship was not affected by site, stand structure or season. We also found a strong relationship between SR calculated from hyperspectral data and SR calculated from readily available Landsat 7 ETM+ data. Using that relationship, we determine an equation to estimate LAI from Landsat 7 ETM+ data. Hyperspectral data was also used to estimate foliar nitrogen concentration and content of loblolly pine. We found a stronger relationship between nitrogen content and reflectance data than nitrogen concentration and reflectance data.

Author dc:creator

• Flores, Francisco Jose

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Jerry Davis, Committee Member
• Daniel Kelting, Committee Member
• H. Lee Allen, Committee Chair
• Heather Cheshire, Committee Member
• Montserrat Fuentes, Committee Member

• Landsat7
• foliar nitrogen concentration
• remote sensing
• LAI
• loblolly pine
• HyMap

Statement dc:rights

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Dc Identifier Other

etd-07232003-203104

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https://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/server/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Arepository.lib.ncsu.edu%3A1840.16%2F5116