A new dataset of leaf optical traits to include biophysical parameters in addition to spectral and biochemical assessment

To enable future improvement on current leaf optical property models, more data incorporating a larger range of measured properties is needed. To this end, a dataset was collected to associate spectral measurements (ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared) with biochemical and biophysical properties of leaves. The leaves represented in this dataset were selected to provide a more comprehensive representation of both tree and agricultural species as well as leaves with a wide variety of color (pigment) expression, surface characteristics, and stages in a leaf lifecycle. Extensive data were collected for each of the 290 leaf samples studied in this project including multiple spectral measurement orientations and ranges, biochemical assessment, and biophysical assessment of that has not previously been a focus in other leaf datasets. The methods and results associated with this dataset are described in this work. • LOTUS is a new leaf property dataset collected for optical properties modelling. • 290 leaf samples representing a range of tree and crop species and pigmentations. • Spectral data include hemispherical and bidirectional reflectance and transmittance. • Biophysical data includes moisture content, thickness and surface characterizations. • Biochemical data includes chlorophyll A and B, carotenoids, and anthocyanins.