A method for approximating the photosynthetic production of stand members inside the canopy.
Abstract
A 'simulator' is described, which integrates measurements of light intensity within a forest canopy in order to estimate the total amount of CO2 fixed. The method is based on the assumption that light intensity is the major factor controlling photosynthetic rate. The equipment consists of 32 sensor units, a multiplexer, an integrator, a controller and a display. Field trials were conducted on 9 sample trees in a Pinus sylvestris stand in central Finland. A strong correlation was found between actual DM production and the photosynthetic production estimated by the simulator.