Determination of nitrogen, lignin, and cellulose content of decomposing leaf material by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Authors

T.M. McLellan
J.D. Aber
M.E. Martin
J.M. Melillo
K.J. Nadelhoffer

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Canadian Journal of Forest Research

Volume

21

Issue

11

First Page

1684

Last Page

1688

Publication Date

1991

Abstract

We report the results of a study of the near infrared reflectance spectra of decaying forest foliage. During the decay process, a broad absorbance feature develops in the 1100–2000 nm region of the near infrared spectrum. The magnitude of this feature is directly related to the age of the material (or to degree of decomposition) and may be useful in determining degree of decay in field samples. More specifically, multiple linear regression equations derived from second-derivative near infrared reflectance spectra are presented that predict the concentrations of nitrogen, lignin, and cellulose in decaying foliage. We conclude that near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a very viable and attractive method for the simultaneous determination of these components in decaying foliage.

Recommended Citation

McLellan, T. M. et al. 1991. Determination of nitrogen, lignin, and cellulose content of decomposing leaf material by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 21 (11): 1684-1688.