Color aerial photography as a guide to foliar nutrient levels and site index in loblolly pine plantations

Author

Alan D. Lyons

Date of Award

6-1981

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Forestry

Major Professor

Edward R. Buckner

Committee Members

Ronald L. Hay, Eyvind Thor, John B. Rehder

Abstract

Color aerial photographs were obtained during the winter of 1979-80 of extensive areas of loblolly pine plantations in Franklin County, Alabama, and Wayne County, Tennessee. Three separate inter-preters using acetate overlays drew boundaries between color classes that could be detected within and among these plantations as seen on the aerial photographs. Interpreters identified three Munsell color classes (2.5 G 3/4, 2.5 6Y 5/4, and 2.5 GY 6/6) into which the range of loblolly pine crown colors detected on photographs were coded. Foliar nitrogen, site index, and basal area were positively correlated with increasing greenness in these Munsell color classes. This technique permitted evaluation of productivity (site index) and foliar nutrient status from color aerial photographs, enabling more efficient land classification and possibly more efficient use of fertilizers for increasing productivity.

Recommended Citation

Lyons, Alan D., "Color aerial photography as a guide to foliar nutrient levels and site index in loblolly pine plantations. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1981.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/7691