Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest: Leaf Area Index (LAI) Throughfall Plots

Leaf area index (LAI) of the mature deciduous forest adjacent to WS6 at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest is estimated on the basis of leaf litterfall collections; the raw data for litterfall are posted in the EDI data package – Fine Litterfall Data at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, 1992 – present (https://portal.edirepository.org/nis/mapbrowse?scope=knb-lter-hbr&identifier=49). These plots are designated TF, referring to throughfall chemistry collections performed at these plots many years ago (Lovett et al. 1996). Leaf litterfall is collected in 0.097 m2 litter traps raised 1.5 m above ground level and is sorted by species. The number of leaves of each species is counted. The counts are multiplied by the average area per leaf for each species in each plot to estimate LAI. Litter traps are located randomly within each of three plots that are arranged along the elevation gradient within the deciduous forest zone. These data were gathered as part of the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (HBES). The HBES is a collaborative effort at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, which is operated and maintained by the USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station. Gary M. Lovett, Scott S. Nolan, Charles T. Driscoll, and Timothy J. Fahey. Factors regulating throughfall flux in a New Hampshire forested landscape. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 26(12): 2134-2144. https://doi.org/10.1139/x26-242