Aboveground biomass estimates over Brazilian savannas using hyperspectral metrics and machine learning models: experiences with Hyperion/EO-1

We investigated the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) over the Brazilian savannas (Cerrado), the second-largest source of carbon emissions in Brazil. For this purpose, a Hyperion/Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) image was collected in the dry season at the Ecological Station of Águas Emendadas (ESAE). In order to estimate the AGB, we evaluated the performance of five machine learning models (Classification and Regression Trees – CART; Cubist – CB, Partial Least Squares Regression – PLS; Random Forest – RF; and Support Vector Machine – SVM) and four sets of metrics (reflectance, narrowband vegetation indices – VIs; absorption band parameters; and the combination of these attributes). The lowest root mean square error (RMSE) was obtained for RF using VIs (29%) and a combination of metrics (28%). For VIs, RF differed from CUB, PLS and SVM at 5% significance level. From cross-validation results, the RMSE was 26.36% for grasslands, 35.04% for open savannas, and 24.85% for dense savannas. The RF model with VIs had the most stable predictive performance across the models, as indicated by small variations in RMSE from CART to SVM. The five most important ranked VIs in the RF model were the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Pigment Specific Simple Ratio (PSSR), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Red Edge Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (RENDVI) and Structure Insensitive Pigment Index (SIPI). Most of their relationships with AGB were non-linear. The resultant AGB estimates showed consistent results with a vegetation cover map of the ESAE. Areas of the ESAE with AGB lower than 10 Mg.ha−1 were coincident with the occurrence of grassland physiognomies (savanna grasslands and shrub savannas), while areas with AGB higher than 25 Mg.ha−1 matched the occurrence of dense savanna physiognomies (woodland savanna and dense woodland savanna). Grassland areas showed larger values of coefficient of variation (CV) than areas of dense savannas. These first-hand results set a baseline of models and metrics for AGB modeling of savannas during the future transition from current sampling-type hyperspectral missions (< 10 km of swath) to large-coverage hyperspectral satellites (> 100 km of swath).