Red-edge response to forest leaf area index

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Abstract
Hypotheses were tested on the relation between forest leaf area index (LAI), high-spectral resolution reflectance data, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the red-edge position (REP). Data were collected using a helicopter-mounted spectroradiometer over stands with LAI varying from 5.6 to 110. Linear correlations with reflectance were weak in the red and near-infrared regions and there was no significant relation with the NDVI above an LAI of 6. A strong non-linear correlation was found between plot LAI and the REP (r = 0.91) and it is suggested that this index may be complementary to the NDVI for forest LAI estimation.