Estimation of old field ecosystem biomass using low altitude imageryColor-infrared photography was used to evaluate the biomass of experimental plots in an old-field ecosystem that was treated with different levels of waste water from a sewage treatment facility. Cibachrome prints at a scale of approximately 1:1,600 produced from 35 mm color infrared slides were used to analyze density patterns using prepared tonal density scales and multicell grids registered to ground panels shown on the photograph. Correlations between mean tonal density and harvest biomass data gave consistently high coefficients ranging from 0.530 to 0.896 at the 0.001 significance level. Corresponding multiple regression analysis resulted in higher correlation coefficients. The results indicate that aerial infrared photography can be used to estimate standing crop biomass on waste water irrigated old field ecosystems. Combined with minimal ground truth data, this technique could enable managers of waste water irrigation projects to precisely time harvest of such systems for maximal removal of nutrients in harvested biomass.
Document ID
19780030919
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Nor, S. M. (Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Safir, G. (Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Burton, T. M. (Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Hook, J. E. (Michigan State Univ. East Lansing, MI, United States)
Schultink, G. (Michigan State University East Lansing, Mich., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1977
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment