Use of high resolution satellite images to evaluate experimental plots in silvopasture essays

Agroforestry systems are an alternative to obtain a sustainable land use. The initial step in research in these systems is the selection of the experimental sites, which must be very well characterized to evaluate the relationships among the components of the system. The objective of this study was to use Ikonos satellite imagery: 1) to delimit the experimental plots and 2) to evaluate the spatial pattern of the arboreal cover. An Ikonos image and a gegraphical information system (GIS) were used to delimit the experimental plots, to obtain the area of each crown tree in the plots delimited, and the spatial distribution of the arboreal strata. The percentage of shade, the crown average, and the spatial distribution of trees in each plot were determined. An exploratory data and a quadrat analyses were employed. Using the Ikonos image and the GIS four plots of 7.31, 5.45, 6.58, and 8.60 ha were delimited. Three densities of shade were determined, that can be considered for effect of this work, as large (30%), medium (20-30%), and low (30%), media (20-30%) y baja (< 10%). Se tienen tres parcela