Spatial and Temporal Leaf Area Index Dynamics in a North Central Florida, USA Preserve

Abstract

This study develops a methodology to analyze the landscape at an ordinal scale using leaf area index (LAI) calculated from remotely sensed imagery in a north central Florida Preserve by examining LAI temporal and spatial changes from 1972 to 1997. LAI dynamics are of particular importance to longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) / turkey oak (Quercus laevis) sandhill preservation as LAI values > 2.0 may indicate succession into southern mixed hardwood forests. Results show that LAI values increased greatly during this time. In particular, patches with LAI values between 2.0 and 2.99 increased by 563.85 ha, while patches with typical sandhill LAI values between 0.0 and 1.99 decreased by 902.68 ha indicating massive sandhill succession as LAI values between 2.0 and 2.99 indicate transitional vegetation. This trend was evident in core area statistics where areas with LAI values between 0.0 and 0.99 decreased 176.6 ha, areas with LAI values between 1.0 ‐ 1.99 decreased by 17.6 ha, and areas with LAI values between 2.0 and 2.99 increased by 74.3 ha. This method could be used by land managers and conservationists to indicate where sandhill succession may occur and to examine temporal and spatial biophysical characteristics of vegetation.