206 Cumulative LAI and SLA sampled area

The collected leaf area is summed up over the whole litterfall year (LAIcum) and over the time after maximum foliation has been reached (LAImax), for each species separately.

Adapted to the seasons of the northern hemisphere, a litterfall year is often defined from March to February, but this may need to be adapted regionally according to the vegetation period.

It is important to additionally report the complete amount of litter fallen after maximum foliation has been reached up to the end of the complete litterfall year.

The date of maximum foliation is estimated based on local experience and given in form LAI.

Specific leaf area and the average leaf area of leaves sampled for its determination are as well given per species.