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Spectrometry of pasture condition and biogeochemistry in the central Amazon
Author(s) -
Asner Gregory P.,
Townsend Alan R.,
Bustamante Mercedes M. C.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/1999gl900546
Subject(s) - biogeochemistry , pasture , amazon rainforest , edaphic , environmental science , hyperspectral imaging , biogeochemical cycle , remote sensing , ecology , soil science , geology , soil water , biology
Regional analyses of Amazon cattle pasture biogeochemistry are difficult due to the complexity of human, edaphic, biotic and climatic factors and persistent cloud cover in satellite observations. We developed a method to estimate key biophysical properties of Amazon pastures using hyperspectral reflectance data and photon transport inverse modeling. Remote estimates of live and senescent biomass were strongly correlated with plant‐available forms of soil phosphorus and calcium. These results provide a basis for monitoring pasture condition and biogeochemistry in the Amazon Basin using spaceborne hyperspectral sensors.