Detection of Moisture Stress in Eucalyptus Camaldulensis Using Leaf-Level Spectral Reflectance: Implications for Remote Sensing

要旨

Foliage moisture stress may be detectable by remote sensing using high resolution spectral data, but meaningful diagnosis requires that plant water status be assessed on the ground under controlled conditions. Design parameters of an experimental plantation of E. camaldulensis (River red gum), were used to examine tree-level responses to moisture stress, as measured by xylem water potential, and relationships to physiological parameters including spectral reflectance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and chlorophyll across a range of stress categories. Detailed leaf-level measurements revealed discrimination between stress categories. Statistical analysis, including a new pair-wise moving t-test comparing mean spectral reflectance curves of each stress category, served to determine gross spectral regions discriminate of moisture stress. Distinct biophysical differences were found between healthy and moisture-stressed trees which were detectable by high resolution remote sensing suggesting the potential for remote sensing to significantly contribute to forestry management practices.