Abstract
A methodological approach based on detailed land-use map, high-resolution LiDAR data and field surveys was developed to categorize productive and non-productive mixed forests, both in term of stand attributes and structural diversity. In 2011, leaf-off dedicated airborne LiDAR data were collected in a 20,000ha inland patchy area which was representative of soil land use in the Apennines mountains of southern Italy. By combining field and LiDAR data in 5574ha of forests with coexisting evergreen and deciduous species, we modelled common forest stand variables (height, diameter, volume and biomass) with high accuracy (0.60≤Adj.R2≤0.89). Moreover, a moderate correlation (0.425≤τ≤0.462) between field- and LiDAR-derived diversity indices was found. About 3393ha of forests are enclosed in protected areas of the Natura 2000 network, which in turn possesses 77% (~576,286Mg) of total aboveground dry biomass. Overall, eight forest types were identified, one of which, the European beech, is only found in the Natura 2000 sites, while other forest types are also found elsewhere. This is the first study to undertake a LiDAR analysis of Mediterranean forests in the Campania Region and might help better evaluate trade-off, especially in protected areas, in order to enhance multiple benefits and support sustainable management of forests.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.