Using terrestrial laser scanning for characterizing tree structural parameters and their changes under different management in a Mediterranean open woodland

Analyzing tree structural features and capturing their temporal dynamic is challenging but crucial for determining key state variables related to plant function, management practices, aboveground vegetation stocks. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) provides a mean representing those in three-dimensional space through time. Here we further developed tested two point cloud slice-based methods estimating diameter at breast height (DBH) based on how the delineation of slices stem was performed: first method circumference slice (CM), second average (PM). Further, focused characterization three properties from TLS: maximum (hmax), crown projected area (CA), DBH, then evaluation biometric relationships. Finally, potential multitemporal TLS evaluating impact growth Mediterranean open woodland. In particular, evaluated effect pruning fertilization hmax CA. The study conducted plots exposed different treatments woodland with ?20% fractional cover evergreen holm oak (Quercus ilex L.): control treatment without fertilization, Nitrogen addition treatment, plus Phosphorus treatment. Pruning effects were assessed within control: an unpruned pruned 2005. Estimation DBH showed good agreement field measurements (R2 = 0.93 PM R2 0.94 CM). Despite Quercus L. being characterized as slow-growing species, difference years among sufficient quantify influence strategies rates. Our results showed: (i) CA increased relatively more than hmax, independent respective strategy, suggesting preferential lateral canopies this woodland, (ii) trees larger changes (Wilcoxon test p < 0.01), whereas fertilized grew compared (iii) relationships affected by nutrient pruning. These show that shows promise monitoring even small dimensions, it valuable tool conducting dynamics studies quantifying effects.