Radiative transfer modeling in structurally complex stands: towards a better understanding of parametrization

ABSTRACT
• Keymessage : The best options to parametrize a radiative transfer model change according to the response variable
used for fitting. To predict transmitted radiation, the turbid medium approach performs much better than the porous
envelop, especially when accounting for the intra-specific variations in leaf area density but crown shape has limited
effects. When fitting with tree growth data, the porous envelop approach combined with the more complex crown
shape provides better results. When using a joint optimization with both variables, the better options are the turbid
medium and the more detailed approach for describing crown shape and leaf area density.
• Context : Solar radiation transfer is a key process of tree growth dynamics in forest.
• Aims : Determining the best options to parametrize a forest radiative transfer model in heterogeneous oak and beech stands
from Belgium.
• Methods : Calibration and evaluation of a forest radiative transfer module coupled to a spatially explicit tree growth model
were repeated for different configuration options (i.e., turbid medium vs porous envelope to calculate light interception
by trees, crown shapes of contrasting complexity to account for their asymmetry) and response variables used for fitting
(transmitted radiation and/or tree growth data).
• Results : The turbid medium outperformed the porous envelope approach. The more complex crown shapes enabling to
account for crown asymmetry improved performances when including growth data in the calibration.
• Conclusion : Our results provide insights on the options to select when parametrizing a forest radiative 3D-crown transfer
model depending on the research or application objectives.