A phytolith index as a proxy of tree cover density in tropical areas: calibration with Leaf Area Index along a forest–savanna transect in southeastern Cameroon |
| |
Authors: | Laurent Bremond Anne Alexandre Christelle Hly Joël Guiot |
| |
Institution: | CEREGE, CNRS UMR 6635, Europôle Méditerranéen de l'Arbois, UM-GECO, B.P. 80, F13545 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 04, France |
| |
Abstract: | The aim of the study is to calibrate the phytolith index of tree cover density, D/P (the ratio of ligneous dicotyledons phytoliths (D) over Poaceae phytoliths (P)) with Leaf Area Index (LAI) measurements. LAI is the vertically integrated surface of leaves per unit of ground area (m2 leaves/m2 ground). Modern soil samples from southeastern Cameroon, collected along a continuous forest–savanna transect, have been analyzed for phytoliths. Phytolith assemblages and D/P index clearly record the physiognomy of the forest and savanna communities and of the transition between both of them. A highly significant relationship was obtained between D/P and LAI. The relationship between phytolith data and the vegetation transect is also discussed and compared with existing palynological results obtained along the same transect. |
| |
Keywords: | Phytoliths LAI Pollen Tropical forest– savanna transition Calibration Cameroon |
本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录! |