Thermal infrared measurement as an indicator of plant ecosystem health

The term ecosystem health has generally been used to indicate the proper functioning of a complex ecosystem. A healthy system would be one in which the biophysical processes are operating adequately to maintain the structure, organization, and optimal activity of the system over time. As a result, the healthy ecosystem would be capable of producing quality commodities and satisfying the values desired by society. For example, a healthy rangeland supplies such important economic goods as forage for livestock, wildlife habitat, energy, recreational opportunities, and such intangible products as natural beauty. A healthy cropland would allow us to grow copious, high-quality food and fiber using less water and pesticides. Although most would agree that healthy croplands and rangelands are desirable, there is less consensus on how to evaluate and monitor plant ecosystem health.