Resumo

COELHO FILHO, Maurício A. et al. Method to estimate the LAI for isolated trees and continuous canopy crops. Rev. bras. eng. agríc. ambient. [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.5, pp. 529-538. ISSN 1415-4366.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-43662012000500009.

ABSTRACT This paper aimed to describe and evaluate a low-cost simplified method (IAF-LUX method) for leaf area index (LAI) estimation, in comparison with well-tested commercial equipment (LAI-2000, Li-Cor®), being both applied for a rubber tree plantation and for a 'Tahiti' acid lime orchard. Later, the results of the both methods were also compared with destructive measurements of leaf area carried out in other 'Tahiti' acid lime adult tree. Considering LAI-2000 as reference, the proposed IAF-LUX method showed deviations of 7.4% for rubber tree and 3.6% for acid lime 'Tahiti'. Comparing the IAF-LUX with destructive measurements, a deviation of 5.0% was observed in acid lime, while LAI-2000 showed deviation of 7.0%. Based on these results, it is concluded that the IAF-LUX method may be used for determining leaf area in the two species, replacing advantageously the other destructive or non-destructive techniques because it is of low cost, easily operated and non-destructive procedure.

Palavras-chave : Lai 2000; luximeter; citrus; Hevea spp.