FIFE IFC-5: Non-Destructive LAI and PAR Measurements

Thirteen locations within the FIFE study area were sampled from July 3 to August 18, 1989. The dataset contains non-destructive measurements of Leaf Area Index and Photosynthetically Active Radiation fractions, collected using a LI-COR Line Quantum meter coincident with surface flux sites. These rapid, repeatable light bar measurements provide an alternative to destructive sampling for canopy studies.

Use Cases

• Calibrating remote sensing LAI estimates based on ground-truth PAR transmittance measurements.
• Modeling canopy light interception and reflectance using measured diffuse, reflected, and transmitted PAR fractions.
• Studying spatial and temporal variation in vegetation structure during the FIFE campaign's Intensive Field Campaign 5.
• Comparing non-destructive light bar LAI estimation methods against traditional destructive techniques.

Strengths

• Provides ground measurements coincident with surface flux data from 13 specific locations.
• Covers a defined 47-day time range during a key field campaign (IFC-5).
• Uses a standardized, repeatable non-destructive measurement method (LI-COR light bar).

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: column names, row counts, and file sizes are unknown across all platforms.
• Conflicting freshness signals: one source lists a last updated date in 2026, while the authoritative source indicates data from 1989.
• Limited spatial and temporal scope to one campaign in Kansas during summer 1989.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Field measurements using a LI-COR Line Quantum meter (light bar) above and below vegetation canopy.

Time Range

1989-07-03 to 1989-08-18

Freshness

1989-10-31 23:59:59.999000

Geography

FIFE study area (Konza Prairie, Kansas, USA)