A Mathematical Model of Leaf Counting for Carbon Sequestration

Overview

Objectives/Goals I started my project in order to create a method to count the number of leaves on a tree. I believe that by combining Leonardo da Vinci tree rule with Fibonacci numbers into one mathematical model (DV+F), I can reliably estimate the number of leaves a tree has, which would be more accurate than the Crown Size model based on well-established Leaf Area Index (LAI_Cs). Methods/Materials Materials: a Vernier, measuring tape, a ladder, and a computer; Major steps to investigate are: 1. Manually count the total number of leaves on a few small trees 2. Obtain model required parameters (DV+F and LAI_Cs) with repeated measurements on the selected small trees 3. Compare model calculated leaf count to the manual counts. Check if DV+F model is better than LAI_Cs model 4. For manually uncountable (large) trees, use computer simulation to validate my DV+F model Results The comparison between the two methods, my DV+F model and LAI based Crown Size model, shows that the leaf count derived from my DV+F model is much closer to the actual leaf count, which represents the better estimation. Conclusions/Discussion My DV+F model provides a new way to estimate the number of leaves on trees. The comparison between my DV+F model and the well-established LAI based Crown Size model shows that my DV+F model is much more reliable and accurate. With such a better leaf counting method, tree studies on carbon sequestration can be done more accurately.

Awards (1)

• Second Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2014 Mathematics & Software · Entry J1420

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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