Leaf area index estimation in vineyards using a ground-based LiDAR scanner

Arnó Satorra, Jaume; Escolà i Agustí, Alexandre; Vallès Petit, Josep Maria; Llorens Calveras, Jordi; Sanz Cortiella, Ricardo; Masip Vilalta, Joan; Palacín Roca, Jordi; Rosell Polo, Joan Ramon

doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-012-9295-0

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Issue date

2013

Author

Arnó Satorra, Jaume

Escolà i Agustí, Alexandre

Vallès Petit, Josep Maria

Llorens Calveras, Jordi

Sanz Cortiella, Ricardo

Masip Vilalta, Joan

Palacín Roca, Jordi

Rosell Polo, Joan Ramon

Suggested citation

Arnó Satorra, Jaume; Escolà i Agustí, Alexandre; Vallès Petit, Josep Maria; Llorens Calveras, Jordi; Sanz Cortiella, Ricardo; Masip Vilalta, Joan; ... Rosell Polo, Joan Ramon. (2013) . Leaf area index estimation in vineyards using a ground-based LiDAR scanner. Precision Agriculture, 2013, vol. 14, núm. 3, p. 290-306. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-012-9295-0.

Abstract

Estimation of grapevine vigour using mobile proximal sensors can provide an indirect method for determining grape yield and quality. Of the various indexes related to the characteristics of grapevine foliage, the leaf area index (LAI) is probably the most widely used in viticulture. To assess the feasibility of using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors for predicting the LAI, several field trials were performed using a tractor-mounted LiDAR system. This system measured the crop in a transverse direction along the rows of vines and geometric and structural parameters were computed. The parameters evaluated were the height of the vines (H), the cross-sectional area (A), the canopy volume (V) and the tree area index (TAI). This last parameter was formulated as the ratio of the crop estimated area per unit ground area, using a local Poisson distribution to approximate the laser beam transmission probability within vines. In order to compare the calculated indexes with the actual values of LAI, the scanned vines were defoliated to obtain LAI values for different row sections. Linear regression analysis showed a good correlation (R 2 = 0.81) between canopy volume and the measured values of LAI for 1 m long sections. Nevertheless, the best estimation of the LAI was given by the TAI (R 2 = 0.92) for the same length, confirming LiDAR sensors as an interesting option for foliage characterization of grapevines. However, current limitations exist related to the complexity of data process and to the need to accumulate a sufficient number of scans to adequately estimate the LAI.

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/49362

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-012-9295-0

Is part of

Precision Agriculture, 2013, vol. 14, núm. 3, p. 290-306