Mapping Phragmites australis Aboveground Biomass in the Momoge Wetland Ramsar Site Based on Sentinel-1/2 Images

Phragmites australis (P. australis) is one of the most important plant species found in wetland ecosystems, and its aboveground biomass (AGB) is a key indicator for assessing the quality or health of a wetland site. In this study, we combined Sentinel-1/2 images and field observation data collected in 2020, to delineate the distribution of P. australis in the Momoge Ramsar Wetland site by using a random forest method, and further, to estimate AGB by comparing multiple linear regression models. The results showed that the overall classification accuracy of P. australis using the random forest method was 89.13% and the P. australis area in the site was 135.74 km(2) in 2020. Among various remote sensing variables, the largest correlation coefficient was observed between dry weight of AGB of P. australis and Sentinel-2 red edge B-7, and between fresh weight of P. australis AGB and red edge B-5. The optimal models for estimating dry and fresh weight of P. australis AGB were multiple linear regression models, with an accuracy of 75.4% and 69.2%, respectively. In 2020, it was estimated that the total fresh weight of P. australis AGB in this Ramsar site was 21.2 x 10(7) kg and the total dry weight was 7.2 x 10(7) kg. The larger weight of P. australis AGB was identified mainly at central and western sites. The application of Sentinel-2 red-edge band for AGB estimation can significantly improve the model estimation accuracy. The findings of this study will provide a scientific basis for the management and protection of wetland ecosystems and sustainable utilization of P. australis resources.

Automated summary

In this study, the distribution of Phragmites australis in the Momoge Ramsar Wetland site was successfully mapped using the random forest method and Sentinel-1/2 images. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the aboveground biomass of Phragmites australis. The findings highlight the significance of the Sentinel-2 red-edge band in improving the accuracy of biomass estimation.