Leaf area index (LAI) and gap fraction. A discussion

Abstract

Methodological aspects of estimating leaf area from gap fraction measurements are discussed. Instead of the common practice of linking in the Beer-Lambert law leaf area index and clumping factor together, the clumping factor and Ross-Nilson geometry function as two structure parameters should be combined into the effective geometry function, which considers both the leaf angle distribution and clumping/regularity of foliage in the expression of the gap fraction of a vegetation layer.

Key words: leaf area index; foliage clumping; gap fraction; LAI-2000; G-function