Accurate estimates of leaf area index (LAI) and leaf angle distribution (LAD) are important for estimating the exchange of energy and gases in vegetative canopies. Direct estimates of LAI and LAD are laborious, time consuming and often times destructive. Stewart and Dwyer [Agric. For. Meteorol. 66 (1993) 247] introduced a mathematical method to calculate LAI… More

High evaporative demand and periodic drought characterize the growing season in midwestern grasslands relative to deciduous forests of the eastern US, and predicted climatic changes suggest that these climatic extremes may be exacerbated. Despite this less than optimal environment for tree seedling establishment, deciduous trees have expanded into adjacent tallgrass prairie within the last century… More

Mapping and monitoring of leaf area index (LAI) is important for spatially distributed modeling of vegetation productivity, evapotranspiration, and surface energy balance. Global LAI surfaces will be an early product of the MODIS Land Science Team, and the requirements for LAI validation at selected sites have prompted interest in accurate LAI mapping at a more… More

In tallgrass prairie, plant species interactions regulated by their associated mycorrhizal fungi may be important forces that influence species coexistence and community structure; however, the mechanisms and magnitude of these interactions remain unknown. The objective of this study was to determine how interspecific competition, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and their interactions influence plant community structure. We conducted… More