Changes of ndvi across vertical canopy layers in temperate deciduous forest during a litterfall period

Abstract:

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a key variable indicating changes in vegetation dynamics and carbon flux. Previous studies have paid little attention to the changes in NDVI during litterfall period. In this study, we report the changes of NDVI across vertical canopy layers in a temperate deciduous forest during a litterfall period. To monitor changes in canopy structure, functions, and spectral properties during the litterfall period, we combined automatic observations of NDVI derived from LED-spectral sensors and LAI derived from digital cover photography installed at multiple canopy layer depths. Furthermore, we collected hyperspectral optical properties of leaves across multiple canopy layers and hyperspectral reflectance of forest background using ASD-FieldSpec. We found that NDVI in forest floor became greater than the NDVI measured from the top of canopy during the litterfall period. We discuss what satellite-derived NDVI exactly sees during the litterfall period, which will be useful to better understand forest autumn phenology at large scales.