Leaf area index (LAI) map of a protected area within the caldera of Vico Lake (Italy)

Abstract

Structural traits of the vegetation types and plantations occurring in a protected area within the caldera of Vico Lake (Italy) were analysed. There were significant correlations, among structural traits, at leaf and stand level. Leaf area index (LAI) and specific leaf area (SLA) were the most significantly correlated traits. LAI rose according to stand plant density, tree size and SLA; the highest LAI value monitored in the Fagus sylvatica L. forest was justified by the largest tree size (28.9±2.8 m height and 53±15 cm diameter) and the highest SLA (212±23 cm2 g-1). The main traits determining the variations in leaf structure among species were analysed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The LAI values were used to realise a map allowing us to delimit high LAI values (4.1-5.0), corresponding to the F sylvatica forest and to the Fagus sylvatica forest with the sporadic presence of Quercus cerris L. and Castanea sativa Miller, mean LAI values (classes 3.1-4.0) corresponding to Corylus avellana L. plantations and to the Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. vegetation type, low LAI values (classes 2.6-3.0) corresponding to Q. cerris forests and C. sativa plantations

Age-related physiological and structural traits of chestnut coppices at the Castelli Romani Park (Italy)

“…LAI was the most important factor influencing C assimilation and water loss in plant communities [21,28,39,60] and it might provide an indicator of potential productivity in response to changing factor [23,25,26,42].…”

“…Significant differences of structural traits were measured among the different stand ages (1,5,7,10,12,17,23,26, and 30 years old). STOd ranged from 525 ± 35 stool ha -1 (30 years) to 546 ± 35 stool ha -1 (1 year); differences among stand ages were not significant (Fig.…”

“…Plant structure measurements were carried out during the period February 2003-June 2004 in even-aged monospecific chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) coppice stands of different age (1,5,7,10,12,17,23,26, and 30 years old). These stands were subjected to the same management regime.…”

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Abstract -Coppices of Castanea sativa Miller (1,5,7,10,12,17,23,26, and 30 years old stands) were investigated. Total basal area (BA) ranged from 4.9 ± 1.9 m 2 ha -1 (1 year old stands) to 41.0 ± 2.3 m 2 ha -1 (30 years old stands), and Leaf Area Index (LAI) from 0.18 ± 0.08 m 2 m -2 (1 year old stands) to 5.00 ± 0.22 m 2 m -2 (12 years old stands).

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