Leaf area index (LAI) map of a protected area within the caldera of Vico Lake (Italy)

Structural traits of the vegetation types and plantations occurring in a protected area within the caldera of Vico Lake (Italy) were analysed. There were significant correlations, among structural traits, at leaf and stand level. Leaf area index (LAI) and specific leaf area (SLA) were the most significantly correlated traits. LAI rose according to stand plant density, tree size and SLA; the highest LAI value monitored in the Fagus sylvatica L. forest was justified by the largest tree size (28.9±2.8 m height and 53±15 cm diameter) and the highest SLA (212±23 cm2 g-1). The main traits determining the variations in leaf structure among species were analysed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The LAI values were used to realise a map allowing us to delimit high LAI values (4.1-5.0), corresponding to the F sylvatica forest and to the Fagus sylvatica forest with the sporadic presence of Quercus cerris L. and Castanea sativa Miller, mean LAI values (classes 3.1-4.0) corresponding to Corylus avellana L. plantations and to the Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. vegetation type, low LAI values (classes 2.6-3.0) corresponding to Q. cerris forests and C. sativa plantations.