Estimation of leaf area index in understory deciduous trees using digital photography

What is it about?

In this study we extended the application of canopy photography, traditionally limited to upward facing photograph of overstory canopy, to quantitatively assess the understory leaf area index. To do so, we combined two methods, the first one to estimate canopy cover from downward facing images acquired from a extendable pole (also appliable to selfie-stick), using greenness indices, and horizontal view photographs to estimate the leaf inclination angle of understory trees. Using this innovative combination is possible to quantitatively describe the understory canopy.

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Why is it important?

This is the first study that provide a protocol for assessing understory canopy structure. Such standardization can expand the applicability of the method and allows for highly repeatable and comparable results. Understory canopy is often negleted in management decision because of the difficulty to quantitatively & objectively assess it. With this method is possible to assess it in a robust way.