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Biomass estimation using Landsat-TM and -ETM+. Towards a regional model for Southern Africa?

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Abstract

Grazing and fire are major factors influencing the savanna ecosystems of Southern Africa. In both grazing and conservation areas overgrazing is an important reason for degradation of vegetation and soil. Insufficient fire management can cause a change in the species composition and may influence the soil negatively. For adequate planning purposes the knowledge of available biomass is indispensable. High-resolution satellite systems can provide such knowledge on a large scale. Three study areas in Southern Africa contributed to a first survey. Gutu District is situated in Zimbabwe. In its Communal Lands a high population density leads to severe degradation of vegetation and soil. The South African test sites are located in Kruger National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve. Therefore a wide ecological range from highly degraded to slightly disturbed savanna ecosystems is included. Satellite images of both Landsat-5 (TM) and Landsat-7 (ETM+) were applied. After cross-calibration of the two different satellite systems, indices applied to radiance and reflectance showed significant correlations with ground truth data of grass and other foliage biomass. Including new data from Hluhluwe National Park (South Africa) into the regression models improved the results, indicating that a regional model for savanna ecosystems in Southern Africa could be found.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Geography, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Kochstr. 4/4, D-91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Cyrus Samimi & Tanja Kraus

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  1. Cyrus Samimi
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  2. Tanja Kraus
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Correspondence to Cyrus Samimi.

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Samimi, C., Kraus, T. Biomass estimation using Landsat-TM and -ETM+. Towards a regional model for Southern Africa?. GeoJournal 59, 177–187 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:GEJO.0000026688.74589.58

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:GEJO.0000026688.74589.58

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