Leaf to landscape: Near-instant vegetation growth and productivity rates (2019-2023)

This DECRA will develop a remote sensing approach for more accurate monitoring of vegetation growth rate and productivity, and for the first time of fast-changing vegetation stress dynamics across agricultural and natural landscapes. Algorithms and methods will be developed to use and analyse newly available Earth Observation satellite data to map and monitor plant primary productivity (CO2 uptake) by combining direct plant function measurements at leaf and canopy scales with imaging and ranging data in 3D computer modelling techniques. It will address the need to optimise food production and to sustainably manage ecosystem services in a changing climate, with preferential benefits for extensive and inaccessible Australian landscapes.