Articles | Volume 23, issue 14
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-4927-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-4927-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
20 Jul 2026
Research article |
| 20 Jul 2026
| 20 Jul 2026
Assessing forest biomass and productivity with data-driven vegetation indices: insights from 900 000 simulated forest stands
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Dept. of Ecological Modelling, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
Rico Fischer
Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI) – Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Forest Protection, Erwin-Baur-Str. 27, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany
Andreas Huth
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Dept. of Ecological Modelling, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
Osnabrück University, Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Barbarastr. 12, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany
German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Short summary
We explored how satellite light measurements can reveal forest health and growth more accurately. Using computer models of many forest types, we discovered new ways to combine light wavelengths that strongly relate to forest size and productivity. Our results show that with the right wavelength choices, satellite data could give precise insights into forests, supporting better monitoring and management of these vital ecosystems worldwide.
We explored how satellite light measurements can reveal forest health and growth more...
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