Correlation Analysis between Indices of Tree Leaf Spectral Reflectance and Chlorophyll Content

This study was conducted to investigate variations of leaf chlorophyll content and surface spectral reflectance of different tree species (Daphniphyllum glaucescens、Michelia formosana、Illicium dunnianum and Machilus kusanoi) across contrasting terrain in the Nanjenshan Reserve of Kenting National Park, Southern Taiwan. The results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.01) among the REP(Red Edge Position)with total chlorophyll concentration (R=0.508, Daphniphyllum glaucescen; R=0.667, Michelia compressa; R=0.503, Illicium dunnianum; R=0.774, Machilus kusanoi). The vegetation index from hyperspectral measured positively correlated with total chlorophyll concentration in all species SR705 (R=0.236, P<0.000); mSR705 (R=0.5283, P<0.000); ND705 (R=0.265, P<0.000) and mND705 (R=0.573, P<0.000). The results suggest that the REP could be used to estimate the chlorophyll content in tree leaves. The index mNDVI705 seemed more sensitive to detecting chlorophyll content in a wide range of tree species across a terrain. Results obtained in this paper discuss using hyperspectral data to estimate the actual leaf chlorophyll content by using low costing and time-saving procedures. * Corresponding author.