Comparison of vegetation indices for estimating above-ground mangrove carbon stocks using PlanetScope image

Abstract

Mangroves play a pivotal role in providing ecological benefits and services to reduce and adapt to climate change impact on coastal ecosystem. They are capable of absorbing carbon, which is crucial in controlling CO2 levels in the atmosphere. This research aims to assess the accuracy of selected vegetation indices for estimating above-ground carbon (AGC) stocks of mangroves using PlanetScope images in Bedul, Banyuwangi, East Java Province, Indonesia. A semi-empirical approach was used to assess and map mangrove AGC, starting with applying the allometric equation to calculate field-measured species-specific AGC stocks. Regression analyses were applied to develop a relationship between field AGC and vegetation indices derived from PlanetScope Image, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Difference Vegetation Index (DVI), and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The Standard Errors of Estimates (SE) were 31.41, 32.93, and 31.63 tons/ha for DVI, EVI, and NDVI, respectively. Thus, carbon stocks estimation, including DVI as an independent variable, is considered more accurate than other vegetation indices tested in this research