Estimating leaf area index of mature temperate forests using regressions on site and vegetation data

▶ Leaf area index (LAI) was measured by hemispherical photography at 91 Swiss forests. ▶ Regressions on stand parameters from vegetation surveys could predict well LAI. ▶ Applied to 981 sites, these regressions produced plausible values and patterns. ▶ Limitation of LAI by altitude and by water availability appeared clearly. ▶ The regression method appears reliable and robust across forest types.