Coordinated airborne-ground foliar trait sampling (Salicaceae)

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Method synopsis

Integrated approach combining NEON AOP imaging spectroscopy with synchronized field collection of foliar samples for laboratory analysis and trait measurement. Designed to enable landscape-scale trait mapping through statistical modeling.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Integrating airborne remote sensing and field campaigns for ecology and Earth system science (2020), Methods in Ecology. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Flight timing determination
   Used MODIS and Landsat records of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at selected sites over a range of elevations to determine the approximate window between onset of peak greenness and senescence during recorded years, with particular emphasis on 2002, 2007, and 2012 years that had similarly low snowpack. Based on estimated timing of peak NDVI, desire to hedge on the early side of greenness to avoid chance of early onset monsoonal rains, and aircraft availability, the airborne survey was scheduled for June 13-July 3.
   Quantities: 15 potential sampling areas identified in advance, targeting peak greenness periodDuration: Survey scheduled for 21-day window June 13-July 3Conditions: Aiming for peak greenness, cloud-free conditions, solar elevation angle greater than 40° (10 am - 2 pm), low aerosol conditions
   Equipment: MODIS, Landsat, NEON AOP
2. Daily flight and field coordination
   Daily decisions on whether flights would take place were coordinated between the flight team and field team leads. Prior to field sampling the flight team assessed weather conditions and forecasts from their base in Boulder, CO, then contacted field team lead by phone to discuss conditions and make final go/no-go determination. Selection of daily sampling areas was determined dynamically from 15 pre-identified sites based on location of previous day's AOP survey.
   Quantities: 15 pre-identified potential sampling sites across study regionDuration: Daily coordination throughout survey periodConditions: Weather-dependent flight decisions, coordination between Boulder-based flight team and field teams

Typical Equipment

• GPS units
• sample collection bags
• analytical balance
• leaf area scanner
• elemental analyzer
• mass spectrometer

Output Measurements

• foliar nitrogen content
• foliar carbon content
• leaf mass per area
• leaf water content
• C:N ratio
• δ13C values

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol