Effects of Temporal and Interspecific Variation of Specific Leaf Area on Leaf Area Index Estimation of Temperate Broadleaved Forests in Korea

Boram Kwon,Myong Yi,Jihyeon Jeon,Hyun Kim

doi:10.3390/f7100215

Boram Kwon, Myong Yi + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/f7100215

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Journal: Forests	Publication Date: Sep 28, 2016
Citations: 39	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Kangwon National University, Seoul National University

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of interspecific and temporal variation of specific leaf area (SLA, cm2·g−1) on leaf area index (LAI) estimation for three deciduous broadleaved forests (Gwangneung (GN), Taehwa (TH), and Gariwang (GRW)) in Korea with varying ages and composition of tree species. In fall of 2014, fallen leaves were periodically collected using litter traps and classified by species. LAI was estimated by obtaining SLAs using four calculation methods (A: including both interspecific and temporal variation in SLA; B: species specific mean SLA; C: period-specific mean SLA; and D: overall mean), then multiplying the SLAs by the amount of leaves. SLA varied across different species in all plots, and SLAs of upper canopy species were less than those of lower canopy species. The LAIs calculated using method A, the reference method, were GN 6.09, TH 5.42, and GRW 4.33. LAIs calculated using method B showed a difference of up to 3% from the LAI of method A, but LAIs calculated using methods C and D were overestimated. Therefore, species specific SLA must be considered for precise LAI estimation for broadleaved forests that include multiple species.

Highlights

The total leaf area, where a substantial proportion of metabolic activities of forest ecosystem occur, determines the productivity of a forest [1,2,3,4]
Leaf area is an important factor in regulating the circulation of carbon, water, and energy between the atmosphere and the biosphere, as it influences the amount of light, wind, and water that flow in and out of the forest ecosystem [5,6,7]
The amount of leaves in a forest ecosystem can be quantified by the leaf area index (LAI), which is defined as the sum of total leaf areas per unit of ground area

Summary

Introduction

The total leaf area, where a substantial proportion of metabolic activities of forest ecosystem occur, determines the productivity of a forest [1,2,3,4]. The amount of leaves in a forest ecosystem can be quantified by the leaf area index (LAI), which is defined as the sum of total leaf areas per unit of ground area. In the case of broad-leaved trees, it is generally defined as the sum of one side of leaf area per unit of ground area [8]. LAI can be estimated by direct or indirect methods.

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Discussion

Conclusion