Analysis of Red Edge Spectral Characteristics and Total Chlorophyll Values for Red Spruce (Picea Rubens) Branch Segments from Mt. Moosilauke, Nh, Usa

High-spectral resolution reflectance data were acquired for first, second and third year red spruce branch segments in conjunction with needle collections of the same age classes for anatomical assessment and determination of total chlorophyll concentration. Samples were collected eight times over the 1989 growing season from two sites (upper elevation site 960 m and lower elevation site 790 m) located in the spruce/fir transition zone on Mt. Moosilauke, NH. The results of this ongoing forest ecosystem assessment show a strong correlation exists between total chlorophyll concentration and two red edge parameters: the red edge inflection point (R2=0.87) and a narrow band red edge reflectance ratio (R2=0.75). These data suggest that red edge parameters may provide a very accurate means of quantifying normal phenologic changes as well as anthropogenic impact on red spruce needles.