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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:04
Leaf Area Index Estimation Using Three Distinct Methods in Pure Deciduous Stands
Published on: August 29, 2019
Estimation of stand-level leaf area for boreal bryophytes
Ben Bond-Lamberty1, Stith T Gower
1Department of Forest Ecology and Management, University of Wisconsin, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA. bpbond@wisc.edu
Oecologia
|December 13, 2006
Summary
Bryophytes significantly impact boreal forest carbon and water cycles. This study quantified their leaf area, revealing a strong dependence on species and stand age, crucial for ecosystem processes.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Forest Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Bryophytes play a critical role in carbon and nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.
- Their contribution to vegetation-atmosphere exchange of carbon and water is significant.
- Estimates of bryophyte leaf area at the stand scale are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify bryophyte-specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf area index (LAI).
- To assess these metrics across different-aged boreal forest stands on varying soil drainage conditions.
- To understand the relationship between bryophyte species, biomass, and leaf area in these ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Species-specific SLA was determined using projected area (flatbed scanner) and cross-sectional geometry (dissecting microscope).
- Hemisurface leaf area was calculated as the product of SLA and live biomass.
- Leaf area was scaled using coverage data from different-aged boreal forest stands.
Main Results:
- Bryophyte LAI increased with stand age, reaching peaks of 3.1 (well-drained) and 3.7 (poorly drained) in older stands.
- Bryophyte LAI represented 40% of overstory LAI in well-drained and 100-1,000% in poorly drained stands.
- Species composition influenced leaf area, with Pleurozium schreberi dominating well-drained stands and Sphagnum spp./Aulacomnium palustre important in poorly drained areas.
Conclusions:
- Bryophyte leaf area is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of boreal forest structure and function.
- The significant contribution of bryophytes to total LAI highlights their importance in water and carbon budgets.
- Stand age and soil drainage are key factors influencing bryophyte community structure and their ecological impact.
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