Leaf area index

Leaf area index (LAI) is a dimensionless quantity that characterizes plant canopies. It is defined as the one-sided green leaf area per unit ground surface area (LAI = leaf area / ground area, m2 / m2) in broadleaf canopies. In conifers, three definitions for LAI have been used: * Half of the total needle surface area per unit ground surface area * Projected (or one-sided, in accordance the definition for broadleaf canopies) needle area per unit ground area * Total needle surface area per unit ground area LAI ranges from 0 (bare ground) to over 10 (dense conifer forests).

Leaf area index

Leaf area index (LAI) is a dimensionless quantity that characterizes plant canopies. It is defined as the one-sided green leaf area per unit ground surface area (LAI = leaf area / ground area, m2 / m2) in broadleaf canopies. In conifers, three definitions for LAI have been used: * Half of the total needle surface area per unit ground surface area * Projected (or one-sided, in accordance the definition for broadleaf canopies) needle area per unit ground area * Total needle surface area per unit ground area LAI ranges from 0 (bare ground) to over 10 (dense conifer forests).