Journal of Forest Science - Online first
Comparison of indirect optical methods for estimating effective leaf area index in young Norway spruce standsOriginal Paper
Jakub Černý, Jaroslav Čepl, Zdeněk Vacek, Jan Cukor, Stanislav Vacek
J. For. Sci., X:X | DOI: 10.17221/42/2026-JFS 
Forest canopy structure is crucial for regulating light interception, carbon exchange, and water balance, making accurate estimation of leaf area index (LAI) essential for forest ecology and management. This study compared three indirect optical methods (LAI-2200 PCA, LaiPen LP 110, and digital hemispherical photography – DHP) for estimating effective leaf area index (LAIe) in young Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] stands. It evaluated the influence of the field of view (FOV) and seasonal timing on inter-method agreement. The research was conducted in young, even-aged Norway spruce stands at the Křivina...