Leaf inclination angle distribution in deciduous broadleaf and evergreen broadleaf Eucalyptus forests under elevated atmospheric CO2

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to compare two methodologies, leveled digital photography and a new software, AngleCam, in terms of their performance in accurately measuring and predicting leaf inclination angles. Additional aims were to see if the spherical distribution of leaf angles was appropriate for the two sites and if the elevated CO2 environments affect the inclination angles of the present species. The sites are BIFoR FACE (U.K.) and EucFACE (Australia). The results found that the two methodologies agree at predicting possible vectors of change, while the absolute values and distribution types differ significantly. However, AngleCam requires some more training with specific species and distribution types. Furthermore, for this study, the assumption of a spherical distribution is overturned. Changes in leaf inclination under elevated CO2 are noticeable but generally within the limits of their natural variation.