The main goal \u00a0of this pilot project is to map, understand, and predict changes in forest and crop quality along climate & disturbance gradients using a range of different sensors to measure in the field and from above vegetation canopies. We will test different methodological approaches on a landscape in\u00a0Mozambique.<\/p>\n
We define quality of forest and crops through measures of vegetation canopy stress and canopy structure, the latter regulating essential ecosystem functions (i.e. microclimate, productivity). This research is a step towards understanding crop quality & productivity in the context of a forest-agricultural landscape in the tropics. Ultimately, we aim to be able to predict the capacity of natural tree cover (e.g. forest patches, tree lines) to act as a key element of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies that buffer agricultural community livelihoods & food security from environmental shocks.<\/p>\n
Time scale<\/strong>: April 2017 – March 2018 (extended to June 2018)<\/p>\n Funded through<\/strong>: Royal Society Research Grant (11,804.76 GBP)<\/p>\n Team<\/strong>: PI – Dr Marion Pfeifer<\/p>\n Key outputs<\/strong>: Fieldwork commenced in April\/May 2018. I worked with M.A.P. Scientific Services to implement the fieldwork.\u00a0https:\/\/www.mapss.co.za\/<\/p>\n (1) The fieldwork was used to test and equipment and develop a sampling design and protocol for data processing and analyses: R code stored.<\/p>\n (2) Key results have been published<\/strong> in peer reviewed PeerJ Open Access journal:<\/p>\n Pfeifer et al. 2019\u00a0Forest floor temperature and greenness link significantly to canopy attributes in South Africa\u2019s fragmented coastal forests. PeerJ https:\/\/peerj.com\/articles\/6190\/<\/p>\n (3) Main data and R code<\/strong> used to generate the figures in the manuscript are published alongside the journal and stored in open-access:\u00a0https:\/\/figshare.com\/articles\/Dataset_PeerJ_Canopy_Temperature_NDVI_2018\/7011692\/3<\/p>\n Key research area<\/strong>: ecosystem functions\u00a0and services in human-modified tropical landscapes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The main goal \u00a0of this pilot project is to map, understand, and predict changes in forest and crop quality along climate & disturbance gradients using a range of different sensors to measure in the field and from above vegetation canopies. … Continue reading