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Solar radiation attenuation and vertical leaf area distribution in forest — reserva Jaru - Rondônia, Brazil

The attenuation of solar radiation in a forest medium and its relationship with the spatial distribution of the canopy elements are investigated in this work. A novel sampling technique is used for the radiation measurements inside the tall canopy covers, having a mobile support apparatus, made up of modular reticulates suspended on the top of the large trees, which allows the placement of the radiation sensors on different heights along a vertical line within the canopy. Solar radiation measurements were made at the experimental site of Reserva Jaru (10°05' S; 61°55' W), Ji-Paraná - Brazil, in the period from 30 Oct. to 24 Nov. 1999. Inversion of the solar radiation physical model allowed the establishment of the leaf area density and the average value for the leaf area index (LAI) for the local vegetation was found to be 5.6.

leaf area index; solar radiation; forest; Amazonia


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