Articles
What Affects Leaf Area Index Estimation Accuracy in Field and Remote Methods?
TLDR Leaf area index (LAI) field methods are classified into two categories: destructive, direct methods and non-destructive, indirect methods. LAI estimations by the indirect method across the ecosystem, plant, and species are lower than those obtained directly. Clumping, non-random leaf distribution in the canopy, seasonality, and inadvertent inclusion of contributions by woody parts can affect… Continue reading…
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CI-600 Root Imager vs. Soil Core + Lab Root Scanning: Which Is Faster and More Reliable?
Root research is one of the trickiest aspects of plant science. The hidden half of plants—buried in soil, intertwined with microbes and moisture—holds key insights into nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and overall plant health. For decades, scientists have relied on soil coring and lab scanning to study roots, but the process is time-consuming and inherently… Continue reading…
How Does Elevated Carbon Dioxide Affect Leaf Area in Plants?
Leaf area increase is a consistent vegetation response to elevated carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The increase in leaf area declines due to long-term exposure of vegetation to carbon dioxide. Various intrinsic and external factors moderate the increase in leaf area due to elevated carbon dioxide. Elevated carbon dioxide concentrations from anthropogenic sources are… Continue reading…
What is the Importance of Leaf Area Index?
Leaf area index (LAI) is a key vegetation parameter used in plant research. Global collections of LAI show that plantations have the highest LAI and deserts have the least LAI. Temperate forests have higher LAI than tropical forests. LAI is used to increase food security, support forest research and management, and track the effects of… Continue reading…
Root Structure and Function Gradients in Salt Marshes
Salt marshes are unique ecosystems characterized by micro-heterogeneity in elevation, soil, tidal inundation, salinity, and oxygen availability. In these extreme conditions, plants are adapted to each zone, so root traits also vary. Root biomass, density, tissue type, and size of roots are adapted for each of the three prominent zones in salt marshes. Salt marshes… Continue reading…
What Is Crop Coefficient and Is It Essential for Irrigation Efficiency?
To optimize irrigation without excessive water use, the actual water lost through crop evapotranspiration is replaced during watering. The crop coefficient provides information based on crop characteristics that can be used in models for indirect estimation of actual crop evapotranspiration. Crop coefficients are specific for crops, cultivars, regions, local climate, soil, and agricultural management practices.… Continue reading…
What Is Root System Architecture and Why Is It Vital for Growth?
The root system architecture (RSA) is dynamic and can change due to age, environmental conditions, and nutrient status within a species or plant. RSA plays a significant role in the underground basic plant functioning of anchorage and foraging for nutrients and water. RSA changes to respond to abiotic stresses in soil, like temperature, drought, salinity,… Continue reading…
