Utility of remote sensing technique for understanding the ecosystem function and sustainable use of ecological services 生態系機能の理解と生態系サービスの予測にむけた森林リモートセンシング技術の開発研究
Remote sensing technique is one of the strong tools for continuously observing the above-ground biomass (AGB) and physiological function of forest. Imaging by drones, aircraft and satellite can also provide us the valuable information about their responses to environmental stresses over a wide area. In my laboratory, we study the development/improvement of this technique for understanding and monitoring of ecosystem functions through field measurements of the forest structure using laser scanners and the leaf traits using spectroscopic images.
We welcome university students who wish to go on to higher education and those who contact us for joint research!
A: Deciduous broad-leaved forests in Hokkaido University Forest (Tomakomai)
B-C: Field observation of below-ground and above-ground components
D: Sample image of below-ground distribution of organic matters
Topic 1. AGB and ecological service
We are conducting research on mapping high-precision biomass and forest ecosystem services. Using UAV-LiDAR, satellite images, and tree census data observed in the field, we have mainly studied how to improve the estimation model of above-ground biomass (AGB). Since 2019, we have developed large-scale validation sites for satellite AGB products (Akitsu et al., 2020), and from 2024, we are starting joint research on remote sensing of ecosystem services with forest and marine researchers in Hokkaido University, Chiba University, NIES and US forest service.
Related research program:
1) Global Change Observation Mission (GCOM) of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) , PI 116, #ER2GCF103, 2022-2024
2) J-Peaks: Visualization of ecological service values
in forest and marine ecosystems, MEXT/Hokkaido University, 2024-2028
Topic 2. Leaf traits
Leaf traits (ex. LMA, N, secondary metabolites) are very important for understanding foliar physiological function, interactions between organisms, and their environmental responses, but it has not been easy to measure leaves on the forest canopy. We verified the non-destructive estimation method of trees and leaves in East Asia using a the spectroscopic model and hyperspectral reflectance data (Nakaji et al., 2019). We are currently participating in research to construct a global dataset (Li et al., 2024).
Related research program:
1) JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific
Research (KAKENHI: 24255014)
2) JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI: 26304015)
3) Environmental Research and Technology Development Fund (S-9-3) of the Ministry of the Environment and Technology (MEXT)
Topic 3. Root & Soil
It is estimated that the root system of forest uses about a half of primary production in the forest ecosystem. However, its dynamics and response to environment change have not yet been fully evaluated due to the difficulties of the measurement of below-ground root system.
The Rhizotron method is a research method that observes root growth by imaging the time series of root through the clear window (box) buried at below-ground. By incorporating near infrared imaging and spectroscopic method into this method, it is expected to elucidate the spatiotemporal variability of root viability and changes in the composition of soil organic matter (Nakaji et al., 2008; Tanikawa et al., 2019). In addition, if it is possible to non-destructively measure the spatiotemporal variation of organic matter composition in soil, it will be possible to develop environmental monitoring of decomposition and microbial respiration rapidly (Nakaji et al., 2023). Now we are testing some spectral imaging method for evaluating the below-ground dynamics in Northern forest ecosystems.
Related research program:
1) Promote Creative Research in
National Institute for
Environmental Studies.
2) Grant-in Aid for JSPS
fellows (18K14488, 16H04929)