Leaf area index and biomass estimation for mangrove plantation in Thailand

Mangrove plantations are expected to function as the sinks off greenhouse gases, by their CO₂ sequestration ability due to a high primary productivity. It is necessary to measure leaf area index (LAI) with uniform accuracy to stringently calculate the amount of CO₂ sequestrated by forests. In this study, we have evaluated the validity of an indirect measuring equipment (LAI-2000 manufactured by the Licor company) which calculates leaf area from incident light in forests. On the basis of it, we developed a LAI measuring method using satellite data, and determined LAI, net canopy photosynthetic production (NCPP) and above ground biomass of mangrove plantation (Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata) in the Trat Province of eastern Thailand.