Spatiotemporal dynamics analysis of canopy water potential in Pinus elliottii using UAV-based multispectral and LiDAR fusion

Guo Shunliang, Niu Xiaoyun, Peng Yeqing, Li Yanjie

Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (4) : 105-114.

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南京林业大学学报（自然科学版）
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Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (4) : 105-114. DOI: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202507022

Spatiotemporal dynamics analysis of canopy water potential in Pinus elliottii using UAV-based multispectral and LiDAR fusion

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Abstract

【Objective】This study investigates the three-dimensional canopy water potential of Pinus elliottii (slash pine) to systematically analyze its intra-annual variations and vertical dynamics, providing theoretical support for drought resistance research and precision forestry management.【Method】From December 2023 to November 2024, we collected monthly canopy remote sensing data in a slash pine seed orchard in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, using the fusion technology of UAV multispectral and LiDAR data. Three-dimensional multispectral point clouds were reconstructed, and a random forest (RF) model was applied to predict canopy water potential. On this basis, we investigated the monthly dynamics and vertical canopy gradients of slash pine canopy water potential, and compared the monthly differences in canopy water potential among 20 open-pollinated families.【Result】The RF model achieved the optimal prediction accuracy, with an R2 of 0.88 for the training dataset and 0.70 for the test dataset. The canopy water potential of slash pine exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations. Higher values were observed in March, April and July 2024, while the minimum values occurred in May and November. Vertically, canopy water potential follows a vertical gradient characterized by lower values in the upper canopy and higher values in the lower canopy. Significant differences in canopy water potential were detected among families. Families 1, 2, 14 consistently ranked higher in canopy water potential across most months.【Conclusion】This study realized three-dimensional remote sensing monitoring of canopy water potential in slash pine for the first time. It systematically revealed the spatiotemporal dynamics of canopy water potential and phenotypic differences among families. The findings provide novel theoretical foundations and practical references for drought resistance research and precision forestry management.

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Pinus elliottii (slash pine) / canopy water potential / UAV remote sensing / multispectral and LiDAR fusion / family divergence

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Guo Shunliang , Niu Xiaoyun , Peng Yeqing , et al. Spatiotemporal dynamics analysis of canopy water potential in Pinus elliottii using UAV-based multispectral and LiDAR fusion[J]. Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition）. 2026, 50(4): 105-114 https://doi.org/10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202507022

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