Articles | Volume 14, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-111-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-111-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
10 Jan 2017
Research article |
| 10 Jan 2017
Tree–grass phenology information improves light use efficiency modelling of gross primary productivity for an Australian tropical savanna
Caitlin E. Moore
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University,
Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
School of Earth and Environment, University of Western
Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
Jason Beringer
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University,
Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
School of Earth and Environment, University of Western
Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
Bradley Evans
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney,
Eveleigh, NSW, 2015, Australia
Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network Ecosystem Modelling and
Scaling Infrastructure, University of Sydney, Eveleigh, NSW, 2015,
Australia
Lindsay B. Hutley
School of Environment, Research Institute for the Environment and
Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, 0909, Australia
Nigel J. Tapper
School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University,
Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
Related authors
Caitlin E. Moore, Tim Brown, Trevor F. Keenan, Remko A. Duursma, Albert I. J. M. van Dijk, Jason Beringer, Darius Culvenor, Bradley Evans, Alfredo Huete, Lindsay B. Hutley, Stefan Maier, Natalia Restrepo-Coupe, Oliver Sonnentag, Alison Specht, Jeffrey R. Taylor, Eva van Gorsel, and Michael J. Liddell
Biogeosciences, 13, 5085–5102, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5085-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5085-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Australian vegetation phenology is highly variable due to the diversity of ecosystems on the continent. We explore continental-scale variability using satellite remote sensing by broadly classifying areas as seasonal, non-seasonal, or irregularly seasonal. We also examine ecosystem-scale phenology using phenocams and show that some broadly non-seasonal ecosystems do display phenological variability. Overall, phenocams are useful for understanding ecosystem-scale Australian vegetation phenology.
Caitlin E. Moore, Jason Beringer, Bradley Evans, Lindsay B. Hutley, Ian McHugh, and Nigel J. Tapper
Biogeosciences, 13, 2387–2403, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-2387-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-2387-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Savannas cover 20 % of the global land surface and account for 25 % of global terrestrial carbon uptake. They support 20 % of the world’s human population and are one of the most important ecosystems on our planet. We evaluated the temporal partitioning of carbon between overstory and understory in Australian tropical savanna using eddy covariance. We found the understory contributed ~ 32 % to annual productivity, increasing to 40 % in the wet season, thus driving seasonality in carbon uptake.
Bimal K. Bhattacharya, Kaniska Mallick, Devansh Desai, Ganapati S. Bhat, Ross Morrison, Jamie R. Clevery, William Woodgate, Jason Beringer, Kerry Cawse-Nicholson, Siyan Ma, Joseph Verfaillie, and Dennis Baldocchi
Biogeosciences, 19, 5521–5551, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5521-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5521-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Evaporation retrieval in heterogeneous ecosystems is challenging due to empirical estimation of ground heat flux and complex parameterizations of conductances. We developed a parameter-sparse coupled ground heat flux-evaporation model and tested it across different limits of water stress and vegetation fraction in the Northern/Southern Hemisphere. The model performed particularly well in the savannas and showed good potential for evaporative stress monitoring from thermal infrared satellites.
Remko C. Nijzink, Jason Beringer, Lindsay B. Hutley, and Stanislaus J. Schymanski
Geosci. Model Dev., 15, 883–900, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-883-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-15-883-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The Vegetation Optimality Model (VOM) is a coupled water–vegetation model that predicts vegetation properties rather than determines them based on observations. A range of updates to previous applications of the VOM has been made for increased generality and improved comparability with conventional models. This showed that there is a large effect on the simulated water and carbon fluxes caused by the assumption of deep groundwater tables and updated soil profiles in the model.
Remko C. Nijzink, Jason Beringer, Lindsay B. Hutley, and Stanislaus J. Schymanski
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 525–550, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-525-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-525-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Most models that simulate water and carbon exchanges with the atmosphere rely on information about vegetation, but optimality models predict vegetation properties based on general principles. Here, we use the Vegetation Optimality Model (VOM) to predict vegetation behaviour at five savanna sites. The VOM overpredicted vegetation cover and carbon uptake during the wet seasons but also performed similarly to conventional models, showing that vegetation optimality is a promising approach.
Atbin Mahabbati, Jason Beringer, Matthias Leopold, Ian McHugh, James Cleverly, Peter Isaac, and Azizallah Izady
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 10, 123–140, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-123-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-10-123-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We reviewed eight algorithms to estimate missing values of environmental drivers and three major fluxes in eddy covariance time series. Overall, machine-learning algorithms showed superiority over the rest. Among the top three models (feed-forward neural networks, eXtreme Gradient Boost, and random forest algorithms), the latter showed the most solid performance in different scenarios.
Naika Meili, Gabriele Manoli, Paolo Burlando, Elie Bou-Zeid, Winston T. L. Chow, Andrew M. Coutts, Edoardo Daly, Kerry A. Nice, Matthias Roth, Nigel J. Tapper, Erik Velasco, Enrique R. Vivoni, and Simone Fatichi
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 335–362, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-335-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-335-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a novel urban ecohydrological model (UT&C v1.0) that is able to account for the effects of different plant types on the urban climate and hydrology, as well as the effects of the urban environment on plant well-being and performance. UT&C performs well when compared against energy flux measurements in three cities in different climates (Singapore, Melbourne, Phoenix) and can be used to assess urban climate mitigation strategies that aim at increasing or changing urban green cover.
Ashley M. Broadbent, Andrew M. Coutts, Kerry A. Nice, Matthias Demuzere, E. Scott Krayenhoff, Nigel J. Tapper, and Hendrik Wouters
Geosci. Model Dev., 12, 785–803, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-12-785-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-12-785-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
We present a simple model for assessing the cooling impacts of vegetation and water features (green and blue infrastructure) in urban environments. This model is designed to be computationally efficient so that those without technical knowledge or access to high-performance computers can use it. TARGET can be used to model average street-level air temperature at canyon to block scales (e.g. 100 m resolution). The model is carefully designed to provide reliable and accurate cooling estimates.
Philipp A. Nauer, Eleonora Chiri, David de Souza, Lindsay B. Hutley, and Stefan K. Arndt
Biogeosciences, 15, 3731–3742, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3731-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3731-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Termites perform important biogeochemical processes in tropical ecosystems, but the complex structure of their mounds impede an accurate quantitative description. We present two novel low-cost field methods, based on photogrammetry and image analysis, to quantify the volume, surface area and porosities of termite mounds. The methods are accurate, rapid to apply and superior to traditional methods, and thus improve biogeochemical rate estimates such as greenhouse-gas fluxes from termite mounds.
Henrique Fürstenau Togashi, Iain Colin Prentice, Owen K. Atkin, Craig Macfarlane, Suzanne M. Prober, Keith J. Bloomfield, and Bradley John Evans
Biogeosciences, 15, 3461–3474, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3461-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-3461-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Ecosystem models commonly assume that photosynthetic traits, such as carboxylation capacity measured at a standard temperature, are constant in time and therefore do not acclimate. Optimality hypotheses suggest this assumption may be incorrect. We investigated acclimation by carrying out measurements on woody species during distinct seasons in Western Australia. Our study shows evidence that carboxylation capacity should acclimate so that it increases somewhat with growth temperature.
Eva van Gorsel, James Cleverly, Jason Beringer, Helen Cleugh, Derek Eamus, Lindsay B. Hutley, Peter Isaac, and Suzanne Prober
Biogeosciences, 15, 349–352, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-349-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-349-2018, 2018
Rhys Whitley, Jason Beringer, Lindsay B. Hutley, Gabriel Abramowitz, Martin G. De Kauwe, Bradley Evans, Vanessa Haverd, Longhui Li, Caitlin Moore, Youngryel Ryu, Simon Scheiter, Stanislaus J. Schymanski, Benjamin Smith, Ying-Ping Wang, Mathew Williams, and Qiang Yu
Biogeosciences, 14, 4711–4732, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-4711-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-4711-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This paper attempts to review some of the current challenges faced by the modelling community in simulating the behaviour of savanna ecosystems. We provide a particular focus on three dynamic processes (phenology, root-water access, and fire) that are characteristic of savannas, which we believe are not adequately represented in current-generation terrestrial biosphere models. We highlight reasons for these misrepresentations, possible solutions and a future direction for research in this area.
Nina Hinko-Najera, Peter Isaac, Jason Beringer, Eva van Gorsel, Cacilia Ewenz, Ian McHugh, Jean-François Exbrayat, Stephen J. Livesley, and Stefan K. Arndt
Biogeosciences, 14, 3781–3800, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-3781-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-3781-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We undertook a 3-year study (2010–2012) of eddy covariance measurements in a dry temperate eucalypt (broadleaf evergreen) forest in southeastern Australia. The forest was a large and constant carbon sink, with the greatest uptake in early spring and summer. A strong seasonal pattern in environmental controls of daytime and night-time NEE was revealed. Our results show the potential of temperate eucalypt forests to sequester large amounts of carbon when not water limited.
Ian D. McHugh, Jason Beringer, Shaun C. Cunningham, Patrick J. Baker, Timothy R. Cavagnaro, Ralph Mac Nally, and Ross M. Thompson
Biogeosciences, 14, 3027–3050, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-3027-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-3027-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
We analysed a 3-year record of CO2 exchange at a eucalypt woodland and found that substantial nocturnal advective CO2 losses occurred, thus requiring correction. We demonstrated that the most common of these correction methods incurred substantial bias in long-term estimates of carbon balance if storage of CO2 below the measurement height was excluded. This is important because the majority of sites both in Australia and internationally lack such measurements.
Peter Isaac, James Cleverly, Ian McHugh, Eva van Gorsel, Cacilia Ewenz, and Jason Beringer
Biogeosciences, 14, 2903–2928, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-2903-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-2903-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Networks of flux towers present diverse challenges to data collectors, managers and users. For data collectors, the goal is to minimise the time spent producing usable data sets. For data managers, the challenge is making data available in a timely and broad manner. For data users, the quest is for consistency in data processing across sites and networks. The OzFlux data path was developed to address these disparate needs and serves as an example of intra- and inter-network integration.
Jason Beringer, Ian McHugh, Lindsay B. Hutley, Peter Isaac, and Natascha Kljun
Biogeosciences, 14, 1457–1460, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-1457-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-1457-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Standardised, quality-controlled and robust data from flux networks underpin the understanding of ecosystem processes and tools to manage our natural resources. The Dynamic INtegrated Gap-filling and partitioning for OzFlux (DINGO) system enables gap-filling and partitioning of fluxes and subsequently provides diagnostics and results. Quality data from robust systems like DINGO ensure the utility and uptake of flux data and facilitates synergies between flux, remote sensing and modelling.
Tyler W. Davis, I. Colin Prentice, Benjamin D. Stocker, Rebecca T. Thomas, Rhys J. Whitley, Han Wang, Bradley J. Evans, Angela V. Gallego-Sala, Martin T. Sykes, and Wolfgang Cramer
Geosci. Model Dev., 10, 689–708, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-689-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-689-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
This research presents a comprehensive description for calculating necessary, but sparsely observed, factors related to Earth's surface energy and water budgets relevant in, but not limited to, the study of ecosystems. We present the equations, including their derivations and assumptions, as well as example indicators relevant to plant-available moisture. The robustness of these relatively simple equations provides a tool to be used across broad fields of scientific research.
Cassandra Denise Wilks Rogers and Jason Beringer
Biogeosciences, 14, 597–615, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-597-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-597-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Savannas are extensive yet sensitive to variability in precipitation. We examined the relationship between climate phenomena and historical rainfall variability across Australian savannas using 16 climate indicies. Seasonal variation was most correlated with the Australian Monsoon Index, whereas interannual variability was related to a greater number of phenomena. Rainfall variability and the underlying climate processes driving variability are important.
Ning Dong, Iain Colin Prentice, Bradley J. Evans, Stefan Caddy-Retalic, Andrew J. Lowe, and Ian J. Wright
Biogeosciences, 14, 481–495, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-481-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-14-481-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The nitrogen content of leaves is a key quantity for understanding ecosystem function. We analysed variations in nitrogen per unit leaf area among species at sites along a transect across Australia including many climates and ecosystem types. The data could be explained by the idea that leaf nitrogen comprises two parts, one proportional to leaf mass, the other (metabolic) part proportional to light intensity and declining with CO2 drawdown and temperature, as optimal allocation theory predicts.
Mila Bristow, Lindsay B. Hutley, Jason Beringer, Stephen J. Livesley, Andrew C. Edwards, and Stefan K. Arndt
Biogeosciences, 13, 6285–6303, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-6285-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-6285-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Northern Australian savanna landscapes are a region earmarked for potential agricultural expansion. Greenhouse gas emissions from savanna land use change were quantified to determine the relative impact of increased rates of deforestation on Australia's national greenhouse gas accounts. Emissions from historic rates of deforestation were similar to savanna burning, but expanded clearing across northern Australia could add 3 % to Australia’s national greenhouse gas emissions.
Eva van Gorsel, Sebastian Wolf, James Cleverly, Peter Isaac, Vanessa Haverd, Cäcilia Ewenz, Stefan Arndt, Jason Beringer, Víctor Resco de Dios, Bradley J. Evans, Anne Griebel, Lindsay B. Hutley, Trevor Keenan, Natascha Kljun, Craig Macfarlane, Wayne S. Meyer, Ian McHugh, Elise Pendall, Suzanne M. Prober, and Richard Silberstein
Biogeosciences, 13, 5947–5964, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5947-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5947-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Temperature extremes are expected to become more prevalent in the future and understanding ecosystem response is crucial. We synthesised measurements and model results to investigate the effect of a summer heat wave on carbon and water exchange across three biogeographic regions in southern Australia. Forests proved relatively resilient to short-term heat extremes but the response of woodlands indicates that the carbon sinks of large areas of Australia may not be sustainable in a future climate.
Jason Beringer, Lindsay B. Hutley, Ian McHugh, Stefan K. Arndt, David Campbell, Helen A. Cleugh, James Cleverly, Víctor Resco de Dios, Derek Eamus, Bradley Evans, Cacilia Ewenz, Peter Grace, Anne Griebel, Vanessa Haverd, Nina Hinko-Najera, Alfredo Huete, Peter Isaac, Kasturi Kanniah, Ray Leuning, Michael J. Liddell, Craig Macfarlane, Wayne Meyer, Caitlin Moore, Elise Pendall, Alison Phillips, Rebecca L. Phillips, Suzanne M. Prober, Natalia Restrepo-Coupe, Susanna Rutledge, Ivan Schroder, Richard Silberstein, Patricia Southall, Mei Sun Yee, Nigel J. Tapper, Eva van Gorsel, Camilla Vote, Jeff Walker, and Tim Wardlaw
Biogeosciences, 13, 5895–5916, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5895-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5895-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
OzFlux is the regional Australian and New Zealand flux tower network that aims to provide a continental-scale national facility to monitor and assess trends, and improve predictions, of Australia’s terrestrial biosphere and climate. We describe the evolution, design, and status as well as an overview of data processing. We suggest that a synergistic approach is required to address all of the spatial, ecological, human, and cultural challenges of managing Australian ecosystems.
Natalia Restrepo-Coupe, Alfredo Huete, Kevin Davies, James Cleverly, Jason Beringer, Derek Eamus, Eva van Gorsel, Lindsay B. Hutley, and Wayne S. Meyer
Biogeosciences, 13, 5587–5608, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5587-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5587-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We re-evaluated the connection between satellite greenness products and C-flux tower data in four Australian ecosystems. We identify key mechanisms driving the carbon cycle, and provide an ecological basis for the interpretation of vegetation indices. We found relationships between productivity and greenness to be non-significant in meteorologically driven evergreen forests and sites where climate and vegetation phenology were asynchronous, and highly correlated in phenology-driven ecosystems.
Caitlin E. Moore, Tim Brown, Trevor F. Keenan, Remko A. Duursma, Albert I. J. M. van Dijk, Jason Beringer, Darius Culvenor, Bradley Evans, Alfredo Huete, Lindsay B. Hutley, Stefan Maier, Natalia Restrepo-Coupe, Oliver Sonnentag, Alison Specht, Jeffrey R. Taylor, Eva van Gorsel, and Michael J. Liddell
Biogeosciences, 13, 5085–5102, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5085-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5085-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Australian vegetation phenology is highly variable due to the diversity of ecosystems on the continent. We explore continental-scale variability using satellite remote sensing by broadly classifying areas as seasonal, non-seasonal, or irregularly seasonal. We also examine ecosystem-scale phenology using phenocams and show that some broadly non-seasonal ecosystems do display phenological variability. Overall, phenocams are useful for understanding ecosystem-scale Australian vegetation phenology.
Rhys Whitley, Jason Beringer, Lindsay B. Hutley, Gab Abramowitz, Martin G. De Kauwe, Remko Duursma, Bradley Evans, Vanessa Haverd, Longhui Li, Youngryel Ryu, Benjamin Smith, Ying-Ping Wang, Mathew Williams, and Qiang Yu
Biogeosciences, 13, 3245–3265, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-3245-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-3245-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
In this study we assess how well terrestrial biosphere models perform at predicting water and carbon cycling for savanna ecosystems. We apply our models to five savanna sites in Northern Australia and highlight key causes for model failure. Our assessment of model performance uses a novel benchmarking system that scores a model’s predictive ability based on how well it is utilizing its driving information. On average, we found the models as a group display only moderate levels of performance.
Caitlin E. Moore, Jason Beringer, Bradley Evans, Lindsay B. Hutley, Ian McHugh, and Nigel J. Tapper
Biogeosciences, 13, 2387–2403, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-2387-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-2387-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
Savannas cover 20 % of the global land surface and account for 25 % of global terrestrial carbon uptake. They support 20 % of the world’s human population and are one of the most important ecosystems on our planet. We evaluated the temporal partitioning of carbon between overstory and understory in Australian tropical savanna using eddy covariance. We found the understory contributed ~ 32 % to annual productivity, increasing to 40 % in the wet season, thus driving seasonality in carbon uptake.
V. Haverd, B. Smith, M. Raupach, P. Briggs, L. Nieradzik, J. Beringer, L. Hutley, C. M. Trudinger, and J. Cleverly
Biogeosciences, 13, 761–779, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-761-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-761-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We present a new approach for modelling coupled phenology and carbon allocation in savannas, and test it using data from the OzFlux network. Model behaviour emerges from complex feedbacks between the plant physiology and vegetation dynamics, in response to resource availability, and not from imposed hypotheses about the controls on tree-grass co-existence. Results indicate that resource limitation is a stronger determinant of tree cover than disturbance in Australian savannas.
C. Werner, K. Reiser, M. Dannenmann, L. B. Hutley, J. Jacobeit, and K. Butterbach-Bahl
Biogeosciences, 11, 6047–6065, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6047-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-6047-2014, 2014
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric loss of N from savanna soil was dominated by N2 emissions (82-99% of total N loss to atmosphere). Nitric oxide emissions significantly contributed at 50% WFPS; high temperatures and N2O emissions were negligible. Based on a simple upscale approach we estimated annual loss of N to the atmosphere at 7.5kg yr-1. N2O emission was low for most samples, but high for a small subset of cores at 75% WFPS (due to short periods where such conditions occur this has little effect on totals).
H. Jamali, S. J. Livesley, L. B. Hutley, B. Fest, and S. K. Arndt
Biogeosciences, 10, 2229–2240, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-2229-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-2229-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: Terrestrial
Crowd-sourced trait data can be used to delimit global biomes
Biomass yield potential, feedstock quality, and nutrient removal of perennial buffer strips under continuous zero fertilizer application
Leaf habit drives leaf nutrient resorption globally alongside nutrient availability and climate
Linking geomorphological processes and wildlife microhabitat selection: nesting birds select refuges generated by permafrost degradation in the Arctic
Distinguishing mature and immature trees allows estimating forest carbon uptake from stand structure
Enhancing environmental models with a new downscaling method for global radiation in complex terrain
“Blooming” of litter-mixing effects: the role of flower and leaf litter interactions on decomposition in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
From simple labels to semantic image segmentation: leveraging citizen science plant photographs for tree species mapping in drone imagery
Plant functional traits modulate the effects of soil acidification on above- and belowground biomass
Regional effects and local climate jointly shape the global distribution of sexual systems in woody flowering plants
Ideas and perspectives: Sensing energy and matter fluxes in a biota-dominated Patagonian landscape through environmental seismology – introducing the Pumalín Critical Zone Observatory
Comparison of carbon and water fluxes and the drivers of ecosystem water use efficiency in a temperate rainforest and a peatland in southern South America
Kilometre-scale simulations over Fennoscandia reveal a large loss of tundra due to climate warming
Microclimate mapping using novel radiative transfer modelling
On the predictability of turbulent fluxes from land: PLUMBER2 MIP experimental description and preliminary results
Root distributions predict shrub–steppe responses to precipitation intensity
Thermophilisation of Afromontane forest stands demonstrated in an elevation gradient experiment
Soil smoldering in temperate forests: A neglected contributor to fire carbon emissions revealed by atmospheric mixing ratios
Above-treeline ecosystems facing drought: lessons from the 2022 European summer heat wave
Canopy gaps and associated losses of biomass – combining UAV imagery and field data in a central Amazon forest
Ideas and perspectives: Beyond model evaluation – combining experiments and models to advance terrestrial ecosystem science
Primary succession and its driving variables – a sphere-spanning approach applied in proglacial areas in the upper Martell Valley (Eastern Italian Alps)
Contemporary biodiversity pattern is affected by climate change at multiple temporal scales in steppes on the Mongolian Plateau
Quantifying vegetation indices using terrestrial laser scanning: methodological complexities and ecological insights from a Mediterranean forest
Revisiting and attributing the global controls over terrestrial ecosystem functions of climate and plant traits at FLUXNET sites via causal graphical models
Dynamics of short-term ecosystem carbon fluxes induced by precipitation events in a semiarid grassland
Throughfall exclusion and fertilization effects on tropical dry forest tree plantations, a large-scale experiment
Tectonic controls on the ecosystem of the Mara River basin, East Africa, from geomorphological and spectral index analysis
Spruce bark beetles (Ips typographus) cause up to 700 times higher bark BVOC emission rates compared to healthy Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Technical note: Novel estimates of the leaf relative uptake rate of carbonyl sulfide from optimality theory
Observed water and light limitation across global ecosystems
A question of scale: modeling biomass, gain and mortality distributions of a tropical forest
Seed traits and phylogeny explain plants' geographic distribution
Effect of the presence of plateau pikas on the ecosystem services of alpine meadows
Allometric equations and wood density parameters for estimating aboveground and woody debris biomass in Cajander larch (Larix cajanderi) forests of northeast Siberia
Strong influence of trees outside forest in regulating microclimate of intensively modified Afromontane landscapes
Excess radiation exacerbates drought stress impacts on canopy conductance along aridity gradients
Dispersal of bacteria and stimulation of permafrost decomposition by Collembola
Modeling the effects of alternative crop–livestock management scenarios on important ecosystem services for smallholder farming from a landscape perspective
Contrasting strategies of nutrient demand and use between savanna and forest ecosystems in a neotropical transition zone
Monitoring post-fire recovery of various vegetation biomes using multi-wavelength satellite remote sensing
Updated estimation of forest biomass carbon pools in China, 1977–2018
Estimating dry biomass and plant nitrogen concentration in pre-Alpine grasslands with low-cost UAS-borne multispectral data – a comparison of sensors, algorithms, and predictor sets
Fire in lichen-rich subarctic tundra changes carbon and nitrogen cycling between ecosystem compartments but has minor effects on stocks
Mass concentration measurements of autumn bioaerosol using low-cost sensors in a mature temperate woodland free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment: investigating the role of meteorology and carbon dioxide levels
Phosphorus stress strongly reduced plant physiological activity, but only temporarily, in a mesocosm experiment with Zea mays colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Main drivers of plant diversity patterns of rubber plantations in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Importance of the forest state in estimating biomass losses from tropical forests: combining dynamic forest models and remote sensing
Examining the role of environmental memory in the predictability of carbon and water fluxes across Australian ecosystems
Water uptake patterns of pea and barley responded to drought but not to cropping systems
Simon Scheiter, Sophie Wolf, and Teja Kattenborn
Biogeosciences, 21, 4909–4926, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4909-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4909-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Biomes are widely used to map vegetation patterns at large spatial scales and to assess impacts of climate change, yet there is no consensus on a generally valid biome classification scheme. We used crowd-sourced species distribution data and trait data to assess whether trait information is suitable for delimiting biomes. Although the trait data were heterogeneous and had large gaps with respect to the spatial distribution, we found that a global trait-based biome classification was possible.
Cheng-Hsien Lin, Colleen Zumpf, Chunhwa Jang, Thomas Voigt, Guanglong Tian, Olawale Oladeji, Albert Cox, Rehnuma Mehzabin, and DoKyoung Lee
Biogeosciences, 21, 4765–4784, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4765-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4765-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Riparian areas are subject to environmental issues (nutrient leaching) associated with low productivity. Perennial grasses can improve ecosystem services from riparian zones while producing forage/bioenergy feedstock biomass as potential income for farmers. The forage-type buffer can be an ideal short-term candidate due to its great efficiency of nutrient scavenging; the bioenergy-type buffer showed better sustainability than the forage buffer and a continuous yield supply potential.
Gabriela Sophia, Silvia Caldararu, Benjamin David Stocker, and Sönke Zaehle
Biogeosciences, 21, 4169–4193, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4169-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4169-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Through an extensive global dataset of leaf nutrient resorption and a multifactorial analysis, we show that the majority of spatial variation in nutrient resorption may be driven by leaf habit and type, with thicker, longer-lived leaves having lower resorption efficiencies. Climate, soil fertility and soil-related factors emerge as strong drivers with an additional effect on its role. These results are essential for comprehending plant nutrient status, plant productivity and nutrient cycling.
Madeleine-Zoé Corbeil-Robitaille, Éliane Duchesne, Daniel Fortier, Christophe Kinnard, and Joël Bêty
Biogeosciences, 21, 3401–3423, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3401-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3401-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In the Arctic tundra, climate change is transforming the landscape, and this may impact wildlife. We focus on three nesting bird species and the islets they select as refuges from their main predator, the Arctic fox. A geomorphological process, ice-wedge polygon degradation, was found to play a key role in creating these refuges. This process is likely to affect predator–prey dynamics in the Arctic tundra, highlighting the connections between nature's physical and ecological systems.
Samuel M. Fischer, Xugao Wang, and Andreas Huth
Biogeosciences, 21, 3305–3319, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3305-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3305-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Understanding the drivers of forest productivity is key for accurately assessing forests’ role in the global carbon cycle. Yet, despite significant research effort, it is not fully understood how the productivity of a forest can be deduced from its stand structure. We suggest tackling this problem by identifying the share and structure of immature trees within forests and show that this approach could significantly improve estimates of forests’ net productivity and carbon uptake.
Arsène Druel, Julien Ruffault, Hendrik Davi, André Chanzy, Olivier Marloie, Miquel De Cáceres, Florent Mouillot, Christophe François, Kamel Soudani, and Nicolas K. Martin-StPaul
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1800, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1800, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate radiation data are essential for understanding ecosystem growth. Traditional large-scale data lack the precision needed for complex terrains, e.g. mountainous regions. This study introduces a new model to enhance radiation data resolution using elevation maps, which accounts for sub-daily direct and diffuse radiation effects caused by terrain features. Tested on Mont Ventoux, this method significantly improves radiation estimates, benefiting forest growth and climate risk models.
Mery Ingrid Guimarães de Alencar, Rafael D. Guariento, Bertrand Guenet, Luciana S. Carneiro, Eduardo L. Voigt, and Adriano Caliman
Biogeosciences, 21, 3165–3182, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3165-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-3165-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Flowers are ephemeral organs for reproduction, and their litter is functionally different from leaf litter. Flowers can affect decomposition and interact with leaf litter, influencing decomposition non-additively. We show that mixing flower and leaf litter from the Tabebuia aurea tree creates reciprocal synergistic effects on decomposition in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. We highlight that flower litter input can generate biogeochemical hotspots in terrestrial ecosystems.
Salim Soltani, Olga Ferlian, Nico Eisenhauer, Hannes Feilhauer, and Teja Kattenborn
Biogeosciences, 21, 2909–2935, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2909-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2909-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In this research, we developed a novel method using citizen science data as alternative training data for computer vision models to map plant species in unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) images. We use citizen science plant photographs to train models and apply them to UAV images. We tested our approach on UAV images of a test site with 10 different tree species, yielding accurate results. This research shows the potential of citizen science data to advance our ability to monitor plant species.
Xue Feng, Ruzhen Wang, Tianpeng Li, Jiangping Cai, Heyong Liu, Hui Li, and Yong Jiang
Biogeosciences, 21, 2641–2653, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2641-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2641-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Plant functional traits have been considered as reflecting adaptations to environmental variations, indirectly affecting ecosystem productivity. How soil acidification affects above- and belowground biomass by altering leaf and root traits remains poorly understood. We found divergent trait responses driven by soil environmental conditions in two dominant species, resulting in a decrease in aboveground biomass and an increase in belowground biomass.
Minhua Zhang, Xiaoqing Hu, and Fangliang He
Biogeosciences, 21, 2133–2142, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2133-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-2133-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Plant sexual systems are important to understanding the evolution and maintenance of plant diversity. We quantified region effects on their proportions while incorporating local climate factors and evolutionary history. We found regional processes and climate effects both play important roles in shaping the geographic distribution of sexual systems, providing a baseline for predicting future changes in forest communities in the context of global change.
Christian H. Mohr, Michael Dietze, Violeta Tolorza, Erwin Gonzalez, Benjamin Sotomayor, Andres Iroume, Sten Gilfert, and Frieder Tautz
Biogeosciences, 21, 1583–1599, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1583-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1583-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Coastal temperate rainforests, among Earth’s carbon richest biomes, are systematically underrepresented in the global network of critical zone observatories (CZOs). Introducing here a first CZO in the heart of the Patagonian rainforest, Chile, we investigate carbon sink functioning, biota-driven landscape evolution, fluxes of matter and energy, and disturbance regimes. We invite the community to join us in cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance science in this particular environment.
Jorge F. Perez-Quezada, David Trejo, Javier Lopatin, David Aguilera, Bruce Osborne, Mauricio Galleguillos, Luca Zattera, Juan L. Celis-Diez, and Juan J. Armesto
Biogeosciences, 21, 1371–1389, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1371-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1371-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
For 8 years we sampled a temperate rainforest and a peatland in Chile to estimate their efficiency to capture carbon per unit of water lost. The efficiency is more related to the water lost than to the carbon captured and is mainly driven by evaporation instead of transpiration. This is the first report from southern South America and highlights that ecosystems might behave differently in this area, likely explained by the high annual precipitation (~ 2100 mm) and light-limited conditions.
Fredrik Lagergren, Robert G. Björk, Camilla Andersson, Danijel Belušić, Mats P. Björkman, Erik Kjellström, Petter Lind, David Lindstedt, Tinja Olenius, Håkan Pleijel, Gunhild Rosqvist, and Paul A. Miller
Biogeosciences, 21, 1093–1116, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1093-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-1093-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The Fennoscandian boreal and mountain regions harbour a wide range of ecosystems sensitive to climate change. A new, highly resolved high-emission climate scenario enabled modelling of the vegetation development in this region at high resolution for the 21st century. The results show dramatic south to north and low- to high-altitude shifts of vegetation zones, especially for the open tundra environments, which will have large implications for nature conservation, reindeer husbandry and forestry.
Florian Zellweger, Eric Sulmoni, Johanna T. Malle, Andri Baltensweiler, Tobias Jonas, Niklaus E. Zimmermann, Christian Ginzler, Dirk Nikolaus Karger, Pieter De Frenne, David Frey, and Clare Webster
Biogeosciences, 21, 605–623, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-605-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-605-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The microclimatic conditions experienced by organisms living close to the ground are not well represented in currently used climate datasets derived from weather stations. Therefore, we measured and mapped ground microclimate temperatures at 10 m spatial resolution across Switzerland using a novel radiation model. Our results reveal a high variability in microclimates across different habitats and will help to better understand climate and land use impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Gab Abramowitz, Anna Ukkola, Sanaa Hobeichi, Jon Cranko Page, Mathew Lipson, Martin De Kauwe, Sam Green, Claire Brenner, Jonathan Frame, Grey Nearing, Martyn Clark, Martin Best, Peter Anthoni, Gabriele Arduini, Souhail Boussetta, Silvia Caldararu, Kyeungwoo Cho, Matthias Cuntz, David Fairbairn, Craig Ferguson, Hyungjun Kim, Yeonjoo Kim, Jürgen Knauer, David Lawrence, Xiangzhong Luo, Sergey Malyshev, Tomoko Nitta, Jerome Ogee, Keith Oleson, Catherine Ottlé, Phillipe Peylin, Patricia de Rosnay, Heather Rumbold, Bob Su, Nicolas Vuichard, Anthony Walker, Xiaoni Wang-Faivre, Yunfei Wang, and Yijian Zeng
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-3084, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-3084, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper evaluates land models – computer based models that simulate ecosystem dynamics, the land carbon, water and energy cycles and the role of land in the climate system. It uses machine learning / AI approaches to show that despite the complexity of land models, they do not perform nearly as well as they could, given the amount of information they are provided with about the prediction problem.
Andrew Kulmatiski, Martin C. Holdrege, Cristina Chirvasă, and Karen H. Beard
Biogeosciences, 21, 131–143, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-131-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-131-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Warmer air and larger precipitation events are changing the way water moves through the soil and into plants. Here we show that detailed descriptions of root distributions can predict plant growth responses to changing precipitation patterns. Shrubs and forbs increased growth, while grasses showed no response to increased precipitation intensity, and these responses were predicted by plant rooting distributions.
Bonaventure Ntirugulirwa, Etienne Zibera, Nkuba Epaphrodite, Aloysie Manishimwe, Donat Nsabimana, Johan Uddling, and Göran Wallin
Biogeosciences, 20, 5125–5149, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-5125-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-5125-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Twenty tropical tree species native to Africa were planted along an elevation gradient (1100 m, 5.4 °C difference). We found that early-successional (ES) species, especially from lower elevations, grew faster at warmer sites, while several of the late-successional (LS) species, especially from higher elevations, did not respond or grew slower. Moreover, a warmer climate increased tree mortality in LS species, but not much in ES species.
Lilian Vallet, Charbel Abdallah, Thomas Lauvaux, Lilian Joly, Michel Ramonet, Philippe Ciais, Morgan Lopez, Irène Xueref-Remy, and Florent Mouillot
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2421, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2421, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
2022 fire season had a huge impact on European temperate forest, with several large fires exhibiting prolonged soil combustion reported. We analyzed CO and CO2 concentration recorded at nearby atmospheric towers, revealing intense smoldering combustion. We refined a fire emission model to incorporate this process. We estimated 7.95 MteqCO2 fire emission, twice the global estimate. Fires contributed to 1.97 % of the country's annual carbon footprint, reducing forest carbon sink by 30 % this year.
Philippe Choler
Biogeosciences, 20, 4259–4272, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4259-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-4259-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The year 2022 was unique in that the summer heat wave and drought led to a widespread reduction in vegetation growth at high elevation in the European Alps. This impact was unprecedented in the southwestern, warm, and dry part of the Alps. Over the last 2 decades, water has become a co-dominant control of vegetation activity in areas that were, so far, primarily controlled by temperature, and the growth of mountain grasslands has become increasingly sensitive to moisture availability.
Adriana Simonetti, Raquel Fernandes Araujo, Carlos Henrique Souza Celes, Flávia Ranara da Silva e Silva, Joaquim dos Santos, Niro Higuchi, Susan Trumbore, and Daniel Magnabosco Marra
Biogeosciences, 20, 3651–3666, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3651-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3651-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We combined 2 years of monthly drone-acquired RGB (red–green–blue) imagery with field surveys in a central Amazon forest. Our results indicate that small gaps associated with branch fall were the most frequent. Biomass losses were partially controlled by gap area, with branch fall and snapping contributing the least and greatest relative values, respectively. Our study highlights the potential of drone images for monitoring canopy dynamics in dense tropical forests.
Silvia Caldararu, Victor Rolo, Benjamin D. Stocker, Teresa E. Gimeno, and Richard Nair
Biogeosciences, 20, 3637–3649, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3637-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-3637-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Ecosystem manipulative experiments are large experiments in real ecosystems. They include processes such as species interactions and weather that would be omitted in more controlled settings. They offer a high level of realism but are underused in combination with vegetation models used to predict the response of ecosystems to global change. We propose a workflow using models and ecosystem experiments together, taking advantage of the benefits of both tools for Earth system understanding.
Katharina Ramskogler, Bettina Knoflach, Bernhard Elsner, Brigitta Erschbamer, Florian Haas, Tobias Heckmann, Florentin Hofmeister, Livia Piermattei, Camillo Ressl, Svenja Trautmann, Michael H. Wimmer, Clemens Geitner, Johann Stötter, and Erich Tasser
Biogeosciences, 20, 2919–2939, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2919-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2919-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Primary succession in proglacial areas depends on complex driving forces. To concretise the complex effects and interaction processes, 39 known explanatory variables assigned to seven spheres were analysed via principal component analysis and generalised additive models. Key results show that in addition to time- and elevation-dependent factors, also disturbances alter vegetation development. The results are useful for debates on vegetation development in a warming climate.
Zijing Li, Zhiyong Li, Xuze Tong, Lei Dong, Ying Zheng, Jinghui Zhang, Bailing Miao, Lixin Wang, Liqing Zhao, Lu Wen, Guodong Han, Frank Yonghong Li, and Cunzhu Liang
Biogeosciences, 20, 2869–2882, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2869-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2869-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We used random forest models and structural equation models to assess the relative importance of the present climate and paleoclimate as determinants of diversity and aboveground biomass. Results showed that paleoclimate changes and modern climate jointly determined contemporary biodiversity patterns, while community biomass was mainly affected by modern climate. These findings suggest that contemporary biodiversity patterns may be affected by processes at divergent temporal scales.
William Rupert Moore Flynn, Harry Jon Foord Owen, Stuart William David Grieve, and Emily Rebecca Lines
Biogeosciences, 20, 2769–2784, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2769-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2769-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Quantifying vegetation indices is crucial for ecosystem monitoring and modelling. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has potential to accurately measure vegetation indices, but multiple methods exist, with little consensus on best practice. We compare three methods and extract wood-to-plant ratio, a metric used to correct for wood in leaf indices. We show corrective metrics vary with tree structure and variation among methods, highlighting the value of TLS data and importance of rigorous testing.
Haiyang Shi, Geping Luo, Olaf Hellwich, Alishir Kurban, Philippe De Maeyer, and Tim Van de Voorde
Biogeosciences, 20, 2727–2741, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2727-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2727-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In studies on the relationship between ecosystem functions and climate and plant traits, previously used data-driven methods such as multiple regression and random forest may be inadequate for representing causality due to limitations such as covariance between variables. Based on FLUXNET site data, we used a causal graphical model to revisit the control of climate and vegetation traits over ecosystem functions.
Josué Delgado-Balbuena, Henry W. Loescher, Carlos A. Aguirre-Gutiérrez, Teresa Alfaro-Reyna, Luis F. Pineda-Martínez, Rodrigo Vargas, and Tulio Arredondo
Biogeosciences, 20, 2369–2385, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2369-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2369-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
In the semiarid grassland, an increase in soil moisture at shallow depths instantly enhances carbon release through respiration. In contrast, deeper soil water controls plant carbon uptake but with a delay of several days. Previous soil conditions, biological activity, and the size and timing of precipitation are factors that determine the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. Thus, future changes in precipitation patterns could convert ecosystems from carbon sinks to carbon sources.
German Vargas Gutiérrez, Daniel Pérez-Aviles, Nanette Raczka, Damaris Pereira-Arias, Julián Tijerín-Triviño, L. David Pereira-Arias, David Medvigy, Bonnie G. Waring, Ember Morrisey, Edward Brzostek, and Jennifer S. Powers
Biogeosciences, 20, 2143–2160, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2143-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-2143-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
To study whether nutrient availability controls tropical dry forest responses to reductions in soil moisture, we established the first troughfall exclusion experiment in a tropical dry forest plantation system crossed with a fertilization scheme. We found that the effects of fertilization on net primary productivity are larger than the effects of a ~15 % reduction in soil moisture, although in many cases we observed an interaction between drought and nutrient additions, suggesting colimitation.
Alina Lucia Ludat and Simon Kübler
Biogeosciences, 20, 1991–2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1991-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1991-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Satellite-based analysis illustrates the impact of geological processes for the stability of the ecosystem in the Mara River basin (Kenya/Tanzania). Newly detected fault activity influences the course of river networks and modifies erosion–deposition patterns. Tectonic surface features and variations in rock chemistry lead to localized enhancement of clay and soil moisture values and seasonally stabilised vegetation growth patterns in this climatically vulnerable region.
Erica Jaakkola, Antje Gärtner, Anna Maria Jönsson, Karl Ljung, Per-Ola Olsson, and Thomas Holst
Biogeosciences, 20, 803–826, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-803-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-803-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Increased spruce bark beetle outbreaks were recently seen in Sweden. When Norway spruce trees are attacked, they increase their production of VOCs, attempting to kill the beetles. We provide new insights into how the Norway spruce act when infested and found the emitted volatiles to increase up to 700 times and saw a change in compound blend. We estimate that the 2020 bark beetle outbreak in Sweden could have increased the total monoterpene emissions from the forest by more than 10 %.
Georg Wohlfahrt, Albin Hammerle, Felix M. Spielmann, Florian Kitz, and Chuixiang Yi
Biogeosciences, 20, 589–596, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-589-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-589-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The trace gas carbonyl sulfide (COS), which is taken up by plant leaves in a process very similar to photosynthesis, is thought to be a promising proxy for the gross uptake of carbon dioxide by plants. Here we propose a new framework for estimating a key metric to that end, the so-called leaf relative uptake rate. The values we deduce by applying principles of plant optimality are considerably lower than published values and may help reduce the uncertainty of the global COS budget.
François Jonard, Andrew F. Feldman, Daniel J. Short Gianotti, and Dara Entekhabi
Biogeosciences, 19, 5575–5590, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5575-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5575-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of light and water limitation in plant function at the ecosystem scale. Using satellite observations, we characterize the nonlinear relationships between sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and water and light availability. This study highlights that soil moisture limitations on SIF are found primarily in drier environments, while light limitations are found in intermediately wet regions.
Nikolai Knapp, Sabine Attinger, and Andreas Huth
Biogeosciences, 19, 4929–4944, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4929-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4929-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The biomass of forests is determined by forest growth and mortality. These quantities can be estimated with different methods such as inventories, remote sensing and modeling. These methods are usually being applied at different spatial scales. The scales influence the obtained frequency distributions of biomass, growth and mortality. This study suggests how to transfer between scales, when using forest models of different complexity for a tropical forest.
Kai Chen, Kevin S. Burgess, Fangliang He, Xiang-Yun Yang, Lian-Ming Gao, and De-Zhu Li
Biogeosciences, 19, 4801–4810, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4801-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4801-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Why does plants' distributional range size vary enormously? This study provides evidence that seed mass, intraspecific seed mass variation, seed dispersal mode and phylogeny contribute to explaining species distribution variation on a geographic scale. Our study clearly shows the importance of including seed life-history traits in modeling and predicting the impact of climate change on species distribution of seed plants.
Ying Ying Chen, Huan Yang, Gen Sheng Bao, Xiao Pan Pang, and Zheng Gang Guo
Biogeosciences, 19, 4521–4532, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4521-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4521-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Investigating the effect of the presence of plateau pikas on ecosystem services of alpine meadows is helpful to understand the role of the presence of small mammalian herbivores in grasslands. The results of this study showed that the presence of plateau pikas led to higher biodiversity conservation, soil nitrogen and phosphorus maintenance, and carbon sequestration of alpine meadows, whereas it led to lower forage available to livestock and water conservation of alpine meadows.
Clement Jean Frédéric Delcourt and Sander Veraverbeke
Biogeosciences, 19, 4499–4520, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4499-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4499-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study provides new equations that can be used to estimate aboveground tree biomass in larch-dominated forests of northeast Siberia. Applying these equations to 53 forest stands in the Republic of Sakha (Russia) resulted in significantly larger biomass stocks than when using existing equations. The data presented in this work can help refine biomass estimates in Siberian boreal forests. This is essential to assess changes in boreal vegetation and carbon dynamics.
Iris Johanna Aalto, Eduardo Eiji Maeda, Janne Heiskanen, Eljas Kullervo Aalto, and Petri Kauko Emil Pellikka
Biogeosciences, 19, 4227–4247, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4227-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4227-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Tree canopies are strong moderators of understory climatic conditions. In tropical areas, trees cool down the microclimates. Using remote sensing and field measurements we show how even intermediate canopy cover and agroforestry trees contributed to buffering the hottest temperatures in Kenya. The cooling effect was the greatest during hot days and in lowland areas, where the ambient temperatures were high. Adopting agroforestry practices in the area could assist in mitigating climate change.
Jing Wang and Xuefa Wen
Biogeosciences, 19, 4197–4208, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4197-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4197-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Excess radiation and low temperatures exacerbate drought impacts on canopy conductance (Gs) among transects. The primary determinant of drought stress on Gs was soil moisture on the Loess Plateau (LP) and the Mongolian Plateau (MP), whereas it was the vapor pressure deficit on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Radiation exhibited a negative effect on Gs via drought stress within transects, while temperature had negative effects on stomatal conductance on the TP but no effect on the LP and MP.
Sylvain Monteux, Janine Mariën, and Eveline J. Krab
Biogeosciences, 19, 4089–4105, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4089-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-4089-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Quantifying the feedback from the decomposition of thawing permafrost soils is crucial to establish adequate climate warming mitigation scenarios. Past efforts have focused on abiotic and to some extent microbial drivers of decomposition but not biotic drivers such as soil fauna. We added soil fauna (Collembola Folsomia candida) to permafrost, which introduced bacterial taxa without affecting bacterial communities as a whole but increased CO2 production (+12 %), presumably due to priming.
Mirjam Pfeiffer, Munir P. Hoffmann, Simon Scheiter, William Nelson, Johannes Isselstein, Kingsley Ayisi, Jude J. Odhiambo, and Reimund Rötter
Biogeosciences, 19, 3935–3958, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3935-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3935-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Smallholder farmers face challenges due to poor land management and climate change. We linked the APSIM crop model and the aDGVM2 vegetation model to investigate integrated management options that enhance ecosystem functions and services. Sustainable intensification moderately increased yields. Crop residue grazing reduced feed gaps but not for dry-to-wet season transitions. Measures to improve soil water and nutrient status are recommended. Landscape-level ecosystem management is essential.
Marina Corrêa Scalon, Imma Oliveras Menor, Renata Freitag, Karine S. Peixoto, Sami W. Rifai, Beatriz Schwantes Marimon, Ben Hur Marimon Junior, and Yadvinder Malhi
Biogeosciences, 19, 3649–3661, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3649-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3649-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We investigated dynamic nutrient flow and demand in a typical savanna and a transition forest to understand how similar soils and the same climate dominated by savanna vegetation can also support forest-like formations. Savanna relied on nutrient resorption from wood, and nutrient demand was equally partitioned between leaves, wood and fine roots. Transition forest relied on resorption from the canopy biomass and nutrient demand was predominantly driven by leaves.
Emma Bousquet, Arnaud Mialon, Nemesio Rodriguez-Fernandez, Stéphane Mermoz, and Yann Kerr
Biogeosciences, 19, 3317–3336, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3317-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-3317-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Pre- and post-fire values of four climate variables and four vegetation variables were analysed at the global scale, in order to observe (i) the general fire likelihood factors and (ii) the vegetation recovery trends over various biomes. The main result of this study is that L-band vegetation optical depth (L-VOD) is the most impacted vegetation variable and takes the longest to recover over dense forests. L-VOD could then be useful for post-fire vegetation recovery studies.
Chen Yang, Yue Shi, Wenjuan Sun, Jiangling Zhu, Chengjun Ji, Yuhao Feng, Suhui Ma, Zhaodi Guo, and Jingyun Fang
Biogeosciences, 19, 2989–2999, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2989-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2989-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Quantifying China's forest biomass C pool is important in understanding C cycling in forests. However, most of studies on forest biomass C pool were limited to the period of 2004–2008. Here, we used a biomass expansion factor method to estimate C pool from 1977 to 2018. The results suggest that afforestation practices, forest growth, and environmental changes were the main drivers of increased C sink. Thus, this study provided an essential basis for achieving China's C neutrality target.
Anne Schucknecht, Bumsuk Seo, Alexander Krämer, Sarah Asam, Clement Atzberger, and Ralf Kiese
Biogeosciences, 19, 2699–2727, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2699-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2699-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Actual maps of grassland traits could improve local farm management and support environmental assessments. We developed, assessed, and applied models to estimate dry biomass and plant nitrogen (N) concentration in pre-Alpine grasslands with drone-based multispectral data and canopy height information. Our results indicate that machine learning algorithms are able to estimate both parameters but reach a better level of performance for biomass.
Ramona J. Heim, Andrey Yurtaev, Anna Bucharova, Wieland Heim, Valeriya Kutskir, Klaus-Holger Knorr, Christian Lampei, Alexandr Pechkin, Dora Schilling, Farid Sulkarnaev, and Norbert Hölzel
Biogeosciences, 19, 2729–2740, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2729-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2729-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Fires will probably increase in Arctic regions due to climate change. Yet, the long-term effects of tundra fires on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks and cycling are still unclear. We investigated the long-term fire effects on C and N stocks and cycling in soil and aboveground living biomass.
We found that tundra fires did not affect total C and N stocks because a major part of the stocks was located belowground in soils which were largely unaltered by fire.
Aileen B. Baird, Edward J. Bannister, A. Robert MacKenzie, and Francis D. Pope
Biogeosciences, 19, 2653–2669, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2653-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2653-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Forest environments contain a wide variety of airborne biological particles (bioaerosols) important for plant and animal health and biosphere–atmosphere interactions. Using low-cost sensors and a free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment, we monitor the impact of enhanced CO2 on airborne particles. No effect of the enhanced CO2 treatment on total particle concentrations was observed, but a potential suppression of high concentration bioaerosol events was detected under enhanced CO2.
Melanie S. Verlinden, Hamada AbdElgawad, Arne Ven, Lore T. Verryckt, Sebastian Wieneke, Ivan A. Janssens, and Sara Vicca
Biogeosciences, 19, 2353–2364, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2353-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-2353-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Zea mays grows in mesocosms with different soil nutrition levels. At low phosphorus (P) availability, leaf physiological activity initially decreased strongly. P stress decreased over the season. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis increased over the season. AMF symbiosis is most likely responsible for gradual reduction in P stress.
Guoyu Lan, Bangqian Chen, Chuan Yang, Rui Sun, Zhixiang Wu, and Xicai Zhang
Biogeosciences, 19, 1995–2005, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1995-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1995-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Little is known about the impact of rubber plantations on diversity of the Great Mekong Subregion. In this study, we uncovered latitudinal gradients of plant diversity of rubber plantations. Exotic species with high dominance result in loss of plant diversity of rubber plantations. Not all exotic species would reduce plant diversity of rubber plantations. Much more effort should be made to balance agricultural production with conservation goals in this region.
Ulrike Hiltner, Andreas Huth, and Rico Fischer
Biogeosciences, 19, 1891–1911, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1891-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1891-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Quantifying biomass loss rates due to stem mortality is important for estimating the role of tropical forests in the global carbon cycle. We analyse the consequences of long-term elevated stem mortality for tropical forest dynamics and biomass loss. Based on simulations, we developed a statistical model to estimate biomass loss rates of forests in different successional states from forest attributes. Assuming a doubling of tree mortality, biomass loss increased from 3.2 % yr-1 to 4.5 % yr-1.
Jon Cranko Page, Martin G. De Kauwe, Gab Abramowitz, Jamie Cleverly, Nina Hinko-Najera, Mark J. Hovenden, Yao Liu, Andy J. Pitman, and Kiona Ogle
Biogeosciences, 19, 1913–1932, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1913-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1913-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Although vegetation responds to climate at a wide range of timescales, models of the land carbon sink often ignore responses that do not occur instantly. In this study, we explore the timescales at which Australian ecosystems respond to climate. We identified that carbon and water fluxes can be modelled more accurately if we include environmental drivers from up to a year in the past. The importance of antecedent conditions is related to ecosystem aridity but is also influenced by other factors.
Qing Sun, Valentin H. Klaus, Raphaël Wittwer, Yujie Liu, Marcel G. A. van der Heijden, Anna K. Gilgen, and Nina Buchmann
Biogeosciences, 19, 1853–1869, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1853-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-1853-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Drought is one of the biggest challenges for future food production globally. During a simulated drought, pea and barley mainly relied on water from shallow soil depths, independent of different cropping systems.
Cited articles
Andrew, M. H., and Mott, J. J.: Annuals with transient seed banks: the population biology of indigenous Sorghum species of tropical north-west Australia, Aust. J. Ecol., 8, 265–276, 1983.
Baldocchi, D., Falge, E., Gu, L., Olson, R., Hollinger, D., Running, S., Anthoni, P., Bernhofer, C., Davis, K., Evans, R., Fuentes, J., Goldstein, A., Katul, G., Law, B., Lee, X., Malhi, Y., Meyers, T., Munger, W., Oechel, W., Paw, U. K. T., Pilegaard, K., Schmid, H. P., Valentini, R., Verma, S., Vesala, T., Wilson, K., and Wofsy, S.: FLUXNET: A New Tool to Study the Temporal and Spatial Variability of Ecosystem-Scale Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, and Energy Flux Densities, Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc., 82, 2415–2434, 2001.
Baret, F., de Solan, B., Lopez-Lozano, R., Ma, K., and Weiss, M.: GAI estimates of row crops from downward looking digital photos taken perpendicular to rows at 57.5° zenith angle: Theoretical considerations based on 3D architecture models and application to wheat crops, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 150, 1393–1401, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2010.04.011, 2010.
Beringer, J., Hutley, L. B., Tapper, N. J., and Cernusak, L. A.: Savanna fires and their impact on net ecosystem productivity in North Australia, Glob. Change Biol., 13, 990–1004, 2007.
Beringer, J.: Howard Springs OzFlux tower site OzFlux: Australian and New Zealand Flux Research and Monitoring, hdl:102.100.100/14234, 2013a.
Beringer, J.: Howard Springs Understory OzFlux tower site OzFlux: Australian and New Zealand Flux Research and Monitoring, hdl: 102.100.100/14240, 2013b.
Beringer, J., Hutley, L. B., Abramson, D., Arndt, S. K., Briggs, P., Bristow, M., Canadell, J. G., Cernusak, L. A., Eamus, D., Edwards, A. C., Evans, B. J., Fest, B., Goergen, K., Grover, S. P., Hacker, J., Haverd, V., Kanniah, K., Livesley, S. J., Lynch, A., Maier, S., Moore, C., Raupach, M., Russell-Smith, J., Scheiter, S., Tapper, N. J., and Uotila, P.: Fire in Australian savannas: From leaf to landscape, Glob. Change Biol., 21, 62–81, https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12686, 2015.
Beringer, J., Hutley, L. B., McHugh, I., Arndt, S. K., Campbell, D., Cleugh, H. A., Cleverly, J., Resco de Dios, V., Eamus, D., Evans, B., Ewenz, C., Grace, P., Griebel, A., Haverd, V., Hinko-Najera, N., Huete, A., Isaac, P., Kanniah, K., Leuning, R., Liddell, M. J., Macfarlane, C., Meyer, W., Moore, C., Pendall, E., Phillips, A., Phillips, R. L., Prober, S. M., Restrepo-Coupe, N., Rutledge, S., Schroder, I., Silberstein, R., Southall, P., Yee, M. S., Tapper, N. J., van Gorsel, E., Vote, C., Walker, J., and Wardlaw, T.: An introduction to the Australian and New Zealand flux tower network – OzFlux, Biogeosciences, 13, 5895–5916, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5895-2016, 2016a.
Beringer, J., McHugh, I., Hutley, L. B., Isaac, P., and Kljun, N.: Dynamic INtegrated Gap-filling and partitioning for OzFlux (DINGO), Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-188, in review, 2016b.
Bond, W. J.: What limits trees in C4 grasslands and savannas?, Annu. Rev. Ecol. Evol. S., 39, 641–659, 2008.
Bond, W. J., Midgley, G. F., and Woodward, F. I.: The importance of low atmospheric CO2 and fire in promoting the spread of grasslands and savannas, Glob. Change Biol., 9, 973–982, 2003.
Bowman, D. M. J. S.: Australian Rainforests : Islands of Green in a Land of Fire, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2000.
Bowman, D. M. J. S. and Prior, L. D.: Why do evergreen trees dominate the Australian seasonal tropics?, Aust. J. Bot., 53, 379–399, 2005.
Broich, M., Huete, A., Paget, M., Ma, X., Tulbure, M., Coupe, N. R., Evans, B., Beringer, J., Devadas, R., Davies, K., and Held, A.: A spatially explicit land surface phenology data product for science, monitoring and natural resources management applications, Environ. Modell. Softw., 64, 191–204, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2014.11.017, 2015.
Brown, T. B., Hultine, K. R., Steltzer, H., Denny, E. G., Denslow, M. W., Granados, J., Henderson, S., Moore, D., Nagai, S., Sanclements, M., Sánchez-Azofeifa, A., Sonnentag, O., Tazik, D., and Richardson, A. D.: Using phenocams to monitor our changing earth: Toward a global phenocam network, Front. Ecol. Environ., 14, 84–93, https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.1222, 2016.
Cernusak, L. A., Hutley, L. B., Beringer, J., and Tapper, N. J.: Stem and leaf gas exchange and their responses to fire in a north Australian tropical savanna, Plant Cell Environ., 29, 632–646, 2006.
Chen, X., Eamus, D., and Hutley, L. B.: Seasonal patterns of soil carbon dioxide efflux from a wet-dry tropical savanna of northern Australia, Aust. J. Bot., 50, 43–51, https://doi.org/10.1071/BT01049, 2002.
Chen, X., Hutley, L. B., and Eamus, D.: Carbon balance of a tropical savanna of northern Australia, Oecologia, 137, 405–416, 2003.
Cook, G. D. and Heerdegen, R. G.: Spatial variation in the duration of the rainy season in monsoonal Australia, Int. J. Climatol., 21, 1723–1732, 2001.
Cook, G. D., Williams, R. J., Hutley, L. B., O'Grady, A. P., and Liedloff, A. C.: Variation in vegetative water use in the savannas of the North Australian Tropical Transect, J. Veg. Sci., 13, 413–418, 2002.
Coops, N. C., Black, T. A., Jassal, R. S., Trofymow, J. A., and Morgenstern, K.: Comparison of MODIS, eddy covariance determined and physiologically modelled gross primary production (GPP) in a Douglas-fir forest stand, Remote Sens. Environ., 107, 385–401, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2006.09.010, 2007.
De Bie, S., Ketner, P., Paasse, M., and Geerling, C.: Woody plant phenology in the West Africa savanna, J. Biogeogr., 25, 883–900, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2699.1998.00229.x, 1998.
Eamus, D., Myers, B., Duff, G., and Williams, D.: Seasonal changes in photosynthesis of eight savanna tree species, Tree Physiol., 19, 665–671, 1999.
Eamus, D., Hutley, L. B., and O'Grady, A. P.: Daily and seasonal patterns of carbon and water fluxes above a north Australian savanna, Tree Physiol., 21, 977–988, 2001.
Eamus, D., Chen, X., Kelley, G., and Hutley, L. B.: Root biomass and root fractal analyses of an open Eucalyptus forest in a savanna of north Australia, Aust. J. Bot., 50, 31–41, https://doi.org/10.1071/BT01054, 2002.
Eberhardt, I. D. R., Schultz, B., Rizzi, R., Sanches, I. D., Formaggio, A. R., Atzberger, C., Mello, M. P., Immitzer, M., Trabaquini, K., Foschiera, W., and Luiz, A. J. B.: Cloud cover assessment for operational crop monitoring systems in tropical areas, Remote Sens., 8, 1–14, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs8030219, 2016.
Gentine, P., Entekhabi, D., Chehbouni, A., Boulet, G., and Duchemin, B.: Analysis of evaporative fraction diurnal behaviour, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 143, 13–29, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2006.11.002, 2007.
Gillespie, A. R., Kahle, A. B., and Walker, R. E.: Color enhancement of highly correlated images, II. Channel ratio and “chromaticity” transformation techniques, Remote Sens. Environ., 22, 343–365, 1987.
Grace, J., José, J. S., Meir, P., Miranda, H. S., and Montes, R. A.: Productivity and carbon fluxes of tropical savannas, J. Biogeogr., 33, 387–400, 2006.
Hanan, N. P. and Lehmann, C. E. R.: Tree-Grass interactions in savannas: Paradigms, contradictions and conceptual models, in: Ecosystem Function in Savannas, edited by: Hill, M. J. and Hanan, N. P., CRC Press, Florida, 2010.
Hoch, W. A., Zeldin, E. L., and McCown, B. H.: Physiological significance of anthocyanins during autumnal leaf senescence, Tree Physiol., 21, 1–8, 2001.
Hoffmann, W. A., Geiger, E. L., Gotsch, S. G., Rossatto, D. R., Silva, L. C. R., Lau, O. L., Haridasan, M., and Franco, A. C.: Ecological thresholds at the savanna-forest boundary: How plant traits, resources and fire govern the distribution of tropical biomes, Ecol. Lett., 15, 759–768, 2012.
Huete, A., Didan, K., Miura, T., Rodriguez, E. P., Gao, X., and Ferreira, L. G.: Overview of the radiometric and biophysical performance of the MODIS vegetation indices, Remote Sens. Environ., 83, 195–213, 2002.
Hufkens, K., Friedl, M., Sonnentag, O., Braswell, B. H., Milliman, T., and Richardson, A. D.: Linking near-surface and satellite remote sensing measurements of deciduous broadleaf forest phenology, Remote Sens. Environ., 117, 307–321, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2011.10.006, 2012.
Hutley, L. and Beringer, J.: Distrubance and climatic drivers of carbon dynamics of a north Australian tropical savanna, in: Ecosystem Function in Savannas: Measurements and Modelling at Landscape to Global Scales, edited by: Hill, M. J. and Hanan, N. P., CRC Press, Boca Raton, 57–75, 2011.
Hutley, L. B., O'Grady, A. P., and Eamus, D.: Evapotranspiration from eucalypt open-forest savanna of northern australia, Funct. Ecol., 14, 183–194, 2000.
Hutley, L. B., Beringer, J., Isaac, P. R., Hacker, J. M., and Cernusak, L. A.: A sub-continental scale living laboratory: Spatial patterns of savanna vegetation over a rainfall gradient in northern Australia, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 151, 1417–1428, 2011.
Hutley, L. B., Evans, B. J., Beringer, J., Cook, G. D., Maier, S. W., and Razon, E.: Impacts of an extreme cyclone event on landscape-scale savanna fire, productivity and greenhouse gas emissions, Environ. Res. Lett., 8, 1–12, 2013.
Ide, R. and Oguma, H.: Use of digital cameras for phenological observations, Ecol. Inform., 5, 339–347, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2010.07.002, 2010.
Isbell, R. F.: The Australian Soil Classification, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, VIC, 1996.
Kaimal, J. C. and Finnigan, J. J.: Atmospheric boundary layer flows: their structure and measurement, Oxford University Press, New York, 1994.
Kanniah, K. D., Beringer, J., Hutley, L. B., Tapper, N. J., and Zhu, X.: Evaluation of Collections 4 and 5 of the MODIS Gross Primary Productivity product and algorithm improvement at a tropical savanna site in northern Australia, Remote Sens. Environ., 113, 1808–1822, 2009.
Kanniah, K. D., Beringer, J., and Hutley, L. B.: The comparative role of key environmental factors in determining savanna productivity and carbon fluxes: A review, with special reference to Northern Australia, Prog. Phys. Geog., 34, 459–490, https://doi.org/10.1177/0309133310364933, 2010.
Kanniah, K. D., Beringer, J., and Hutley, L. B.: Environmental controls on the spatial variability of savanna productivity in the Northern Territory, Australia, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 151, 1429–1439, 2011.
Keith, H., van Gorsel, E., Jacobsen, K. L., and Cleugh, H. A.: Dynamics of carbon exchange in a Eucalyptus forest in response to interacting disturbance factors, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 153, 67–81, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2011.07.019, 2012.
Kelley, G., O'Grady, A. P., Hutley, L. B., and Eamus, D.: A comparison of tree water use in two contiguous vegetation communities of the seasonally dry tropics of northern Australia: The importance of site water budget to tree hydraulics, Aust. J. Bot., 55, 700–708, https://doi.org/10.1071/BT07021, 2007.
Lee, D. W., O'Keefe, J., Holbrook, N. M., and Feild, T. S.: Pigment dynamics and autumn leaf senescence in a New England deciduous forest, eastern USA, Ecol. Res., 18, 677–694, 2003.
Lehmann, C. E. R., Anderson, T. M., Sankaran, M., Higgins, S. I., Archibald, S., Hoffmann, W. A., Hanan, N. P., Williams, R. J., Fensham, R. J., Felfili, J., Hutley, L. B., Ratnam, J., San Jose, J., Montes, R., Franklin, D., Russell-Smith, J., Ryan, C. M., Durigan, G., Hiernaux, P., Haidar, R., Bowman, D. M. J. S., and Bond, W. J.: Savanna vegetation-fire-climate relationships differ among continents, Science, 343, 548–552, 2014.
Ma, X., Huete, A., Yu, Q., Coupe, N. R., Davies, K., Broich, M., Ratana, P., Beringer, J., Hutley, L. B., Cleverly, J., Boulain, N., and Eamus, D.: Spatial patterns and temporal dynamics in savanna vegetation phenology across the north australian tropical transect, Remote Sens. Environ., 139, 97–115, 2013.
Ma, X., Huete, A., Yu, Q., Restrepo-Coupe, N., Beringer, J., Hutley, L. B., Kanniah, K. D., Cleverly, J., and Eamus, D.: Parameterization of an ecosystem light-use-efficiency model for predicting savanna GPP using MODIS EVI, Remote Sens. Environ., 154, 253–271, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2014.08.025, 2014.
Migliavacca, M., Galvagno, M., Cremonese, E., Rossini, M., Meroni, M., Sonnentag, O., Cogliati, S., Manca, G., Diotri, F., Busetto, L., Cescatti, A., Colombo, R., Fava, F., Morra di Cella, U., Pari, E., Siniscalco, C., and Richardson, A. D.: Using digital repeat photography and eddy covariance data to model grassland phenology and photosynthetic CO2 uptake, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 151, 1325–1337, 2011.
Monteith, J. L.: Solar Radiation and Productivity in Tropical Ecosystems, J. Appl. Ecol., 9, 747–766, https://doi.org/10.2307/2401901, 1972.
Moore, C. E., Beringer, J., Evans, B., Hutley, L. B., McHugh, I., and Tapper, N. J.: The contribution of trees and grasses to productivity of an Australian tropical savanna, Biogeosciences, 13, 2387–2403, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-2387-2016, 2016a.
Moore, C. E., Brown, T., Keenan, T. F., Duursma, R. A., van Dijk, A. I. J. M., Beringer, J., Culvenor, D., Evans, B., Huete, A., Hutley, L. B., Maier, S., Restrepo-Coupe, N., Sonnentag, O., Specht, A., Taylor, J. R., van Gorsel, E., and Liddell, M. J.: Reviews and syntheses: Australian vegetation phenology: new insights from satellite remote sensing and digital repeat photography, Biogeosciences, 13, 5085–5102, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5085-2016, 2016b.
Murphy, B. P., Russell-Smith, J., and Prior, L. D.: Frequent fires reduce tree growth in northern Australian savannas: Implications for tree demography and carbon sequestration, Glob. Change Biol., 16, 331–343, 2010.
Noormets, A.: Phenology of Ecosystem Processes, Springer, New York, 2009.
O'Grady, A. P., Eamus, D., and Hutley, L. B.: Transpiration increases during the dry season: Patterns of tree water use in eucalypt open-forests of northern Australia, Tree Physiol., 19, 591–597, 1999.
O'Grady, A. P., Chen, X., Eamus, D., and Hutley, L. B.: Composition, leaf area index and standing biomass of eucalypt open forests near Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia, Aust. J. Bot., 48, 629–638, 2000.
Osborne, C. P. and Beerling, D. J.: Nature's green revolution: The remarkable evolutionary rise of C4 plants, Philos. T. R. Soc. B, 361, 173–194, https://doi.org/10.1038/35075035, 2006.
Prior, L. D., Eamus, D., and Bowman, D. M. J. S.: Tree growth rates in north Australian savanna habitats: Seasonal patterns and correlations with leaf attributes, Aust. J. Bot., 52, 303–314, https://doi.org/10.1071/BT03119, 2004.
Ratnam, J., Bond, W. J., Fensham, R. J., Hoffmann, W. A., Archibald, S., Lehmann, C. E. R., Anderson, M. T., Higgins, S. I., and Sankaran, M.: When is a “forest” a savanna, and why does it matter?, Glob. Ecol. Biogeogr., 20, 653–660, 2011.
Reichstein, M., Falge, E., Baldocchi, D., Papale, D., Aubinet, M., Berbigier, P., Bernhofer, C., Buchmann, N., Gilmanov, T., Granier, A., Grünwald, T., Havránková, K., Ilvesniemi, H., Janous, D., Knohl, A., Laurila, T., Lohila, A., Loustau, D., Matteucci, G., Meyers, T., Miglietta, F., Ourcival, J. M., Pumpanen, J., Rambal, S., Rotenberg, E., Sanz, M., Tenhunen, J., Seufert, G., Vaccari, F., Vesala, T., Yakir, D., and Valentini, R.: On the separation of net ecosystem exchange into assimilation and ecosystem respiration: Review and improved algorithm, Glob. Change Biol., 11, 1424–1439, 2005.
Restrepo-Coupe, N., Huete, A., Davies, K., Cleverly, J., Beringer, J., Eamus, D., van Gorsel, E., Hutley, L. B., and Meyer, W. S.: MODIS vegetation products as proxies of photosynthetic potential along a gradient of meteorologically and biologically driven ecosystem productivity, Biogeosciences, 13, 5587–5608, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5587-2016, 2016.
Richardson, A. D., Jenkins, J. P., Braswell, B. H., Hollinger, D. Y., Ollinger, S. V., and Smith, M. L.: Use of digital webcam images to track spring green-up in a deciduous broadleaf forest, Oecologia, 152, 323–334, 2007.
Richardson, A. D., Braswell, B. H., Hollinger, D. Y., Jenkins, J. P., and Ollinger, S. V.: Near-surface remote sensing of spatial and temporal variation in canopy phenology, Ecol. Appl., 19, 1417–1428, 2009a.
Richardson, A. D., Hollinger, D. Y., Dail, D. B., Lee, J. T., Munger, J. W., and O'Keefe, J.: Influence of spring phenology on seasonal and annual carbon balance in two contrasting New England forests, Tree Physiol., 29, 321–331, 2009b.
Richardson, A. D., Black, T. A., Ciais, P., Delbart, N., Friedl, M. A., Gobron, N., Hollinger, D. Y., Kutsch, W. L., Longdoz, B., Luyssaert, S., Migliavacca, M., Montagnani, L., Munger, J. W., Moors, E., Piao, S., Rebmann, C., Reichstein, M., Saigusa, N., Tomelleri, E., Vargas, R., and Varlagin, A.: Influence of spring and autumn phenological transitions on forest ecosystem productivity, Philos. T. R. Soc. B, 365, 3227–3246, 2010.
Richardson, A. D., Keenan, T. F., Migliavacca, M., Ryu, Y., Sonnentag, O., and Toomey, M.: Climate change, phenology, and phenological control of vegetation feedbacks to the climate system, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 169, 156–173, 2013.
Rogers, C. and Beringer, J.: Describing rainfall in northern Australia using multiple climate indices, Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2016-172, in review, 2016.
Running, S. W. and Zhao, M.: User's Guide: Daily GPP and annual NPP (MOD17 A2/A3) products, NASA Earth Observing System MODIS land algorithm 1–28, 2015.
Ryu, Y., Sonnentag, O., Nilson, T., Vargas, R., Kobayashi, H., Wenk, R., and Baldocchi, D. D.: How to quantify tree leaf area index in an open savanna ecosystem: A multi-instrument and multi-model approach, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 150, 63–76, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2009.08.007, 2010.
Ryu, Y., Baldocchi, D. D., Kobayashi, H., Van Ingen, C., Li, J., Black, T. A., Beringer, J., Van Gorsel, E., Knohl, A., Law, B. E., and Roupsard, O.: Integration of MODIS land and atmosphere products with a coupled-process model to estimate gross primary productivity and evapotranspiration from 1 km to global scales, Global Biogeochem. Cy., 25, 1–24, 2011.
Ryu, Y., Verfaillie, J., Macfarlane, C., Kobayashi, H., Sonnentag, O., Vargas, R., Ma, S., and Baldocchi, D. D.: Continuous observation of tree leaf area index at ecosystem scale using upward-pointing digital cameras, Remote Sens. Environ., 126, 116–125, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2012.08.027, 2012.
Sage, R. F.: The evolution of C4 photosynthesis, New Phytol., 161, 341–370, 2004.
Savitzky, A. and Golay, M. J. E.: Smoothing and differentiation of data by simplified least squares procedures, Anal. Chem., 36, 1627–1639, 1964.
Scheiter, S., Higgins, S. I., Beringer, J., and Hutley, L. B.: Climate change and long-term fire management impacts on Australian savannas, New Phytol., 205, 1211–1226, https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13130, 2015.
Scholes, R. J. and Archer, S. R.: Tree-grass interactions in Savannas, Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 28, 517–544, 1997.
Scott, K. A., Setterfield, S. A., Douglas, M. M., and Andersen, A. N.: Environmental factors influencing the establishment, height and fecundity of the annual grass Sorghum intrans in an Australian tropical savanna, J. Trop. Ecol., 26, 313–322, 2010.
Silva, I. A., Da Silva, D. M., De Carvalho, G. H., and Batalha, M. A.: Reproductive phenology of Brazilian savannas and riparian forests: Environmental and phylogenetic issues, Ann. Forest Sci., 68, 1207–1215, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-011-0071-5, 2011.
Sjöström, M., Zhao, M., Archibald, S., Arneth, A., Cappelaere, B., Falk, U., de Grandcourt, A., Hanan, N., Kergoat, L., Kutsch, W., Merbold, L., Mougin, E., Nickless, A., Nouvellon, Y., Scholes, R. J., Veenendaal, E. M., and Ardö, J.: Evaluation of MODIS gross primary productivity for Africa using eddy covariance data, Remote Sens. Environ., 131, 275–286, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2012.12.023, 2013.
Sonnentag, O., Hufkens, K., Teshera-Sterne, C., Young, A. M., Friedl, M., Braswell, B. H., Milliman, T., O'Keefe, J., and Richardson, A. D.: Digital repeat photography for phenological research in forest ecosystems, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 152, 159–177, 2012.
Specht, R. L.: Vegetation, in: Australian Environment, 4 Edn., edited by: Leeper, G. W., Melbourne University Press, Melbourne, 44–67, 1972.
Tagesson, T., Fensholt, R., Cropley, F., Guiro, I., Horion, S., Ehammer, A., and Ardö, J.: Dynamics in carbon exchange fluxes for a grazed semi-arid savanna ecosystem in West Africa, Agr. Ecosys. Environ., 205, 15–24, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2015.02.017, 2015.
Toomey, M., Friedl, M. A., Frolking, S., Hufkens, K., Klosterman, S., Sonnentag, O., Baldocchi, D. D., Bernacchi, C. J., Biraud, S. C., Bohrer, G., Brzostek, E., Burns, S. P., Coursolle, C., Hollinger, D. Y., Margolis, H. A., McCaughey, H., Monson, R. K., Munger, J. W., Pallardy, S., Phillips, R. P., Torn, M. S., Wharton, S., Zeri, M., and Richardson, A. D.: Greenness indices from digital cameras predict the timing and seasonal dynamics of canopy-scale photosynthesis, Ecol. Appl., 25, 99–115, 2015.
Tucker, C. J.: Red and photographic infrared linear combinations for monitoring vegetation, Remote Sens. Environ., 8, 127–150, 1979.
van Gorsel, E., Delpierre, N., Leuning, R., Black, A., Munger, J. W., Wofsy, S., Aubinet, M., Feigenwinter, C., Beringer, J., Bonal, D., Chen, B., Chen, J., Clement, R., Davis, K. J., Desai, A. R., Dragoni, D., Etzold, S., Grünwald, T., Gu, L., Heinesch, B., Hutyra, L. R., Jans, W. W. P., Kutsch, W., Law, B. E., Leclerc, M. Y., Mammarella, I., Montagnani, L., Noormets, A., Rebmann, C., and Wharton, S.: Estimating nocturnal ecosystem respiration from the vertical turbulent flux and change in storage of CO2, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 149, 1919–1930, 2009.
Van Langevelde, F., Van De Vijver, C. A. D. M., Kumar, L., Van De Koppel, J., De Ridder, N., Van Andel, J., Skidmore, A. K., Hearne, J. W., Stroosnijder, L., Bond, W. J., Prins, H. H. T., and Rietkerk, M.: Effects of fire and herbivory on the stability of savanna ecosystems, Ecology, 84, 337–350, 2003.
Weiss, M., Baret, F., Smith, G. J., Jonckheere, I., and Coppin, P.: Review of methods for in situ leaf area index (LAI) determination Part II, Estimation of LAI, errors and sampling, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 121, 37–53, 2004.
Werner, P. A. and Franklin, D. C.: Resprouting and mortality of juvenile eucalypts in an Australian savanna: Impacts of fire season and annual sorghum, Aust. J. Bot., 58, 619–628, https://doi.org/10.1071/BT10139, 2010.
Werner, P. A. and Prior, L. D.: Demography and growth of subadult savanna trees: Interactions of life history, size, fire season, and grassy understory, Ecol. Monogr., 83, 67–93, 2013.
Whitley, R. J., Macinnis-Ng, C. M. O., Hutley, L. B., Beringer, J., Zeppel, M., Williams, M., Taylor, D., and Eamus, D.: Is productivity of mesic savannas light limited or water limited? Results of a simulation study, Glob. Change Biol., 17, 3130–3149, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agformet.2011.01.006, 2011.
Williams, R. J., Myers, B. A., Muller, W. J., Duff, G. A., and Eamus, D.: Leaf phenology of woody species in a North Australian tropical savanna, Ecology, 78, 2542–2558, 1997.
Wingate, L., Ogée, J., Cremonese, E., Filippa, G., Mizunuma, T., Migliavacca, M., Moisy, C., Wilkinson, M., Moureaux, C., Wohlfahrt, G., Hammerle, A., Hörtnagl, L., Gimeno, C., Porcar-Castell, A., Galvagno, M., Nakaji, T., Morison, J., Kolle, O., Knohl, A., Kutsch, W., Kolari, P., Nikinmaa, E., Ibrom, A., Gielen, B., Eugster, W., Balzarolo, M., Papale, D., Klumpp, K., Köstner, B., Grünwald, T., Joffre, R., Ourcival, J.-M., Hellstrom, M., Lindroth, A., George, C., Longdoz, B., Genty, B., Levula, J., Heinesch, B., Sprintsin, M., Yakir, D., Manise, T., Guyon, D., Ahrends, H., Plaza-Aguilar, A., Guan, J. H., and Grace, J.: Interpreting canopy development and physiology using a European phenology camera network at flux sites, Biogeosciences, 12, 5995–6015, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-12-5995-2015, 2015.
Woebbecke, D. M., Meyer, G. E., Von Bargen, K., and Mortensen, D. A.: Color indices for weed identification under various soil, residue, and lighting conditions, T. Am. Soc. Agr. Eng., 38, 259–269, 1995.
Wu, J., Albert, L. P., Lopes, A. P., Restrepo-Coupe, N., Hayek, M., Wiedemann, K. T., Guan, K., Strark., S. C., Christoffersen, B., Prohaska, N., Tavares, J. V., Marostica, S., Kobayashi, H., Ferreira, M. L., Campos, K. S., da Silva, R., Brando, P. M., Dye, D. G., Huxman, T. E., Huete, A., Nelson, B. W., and Saleska, S. R.: Leaf development and demography explain photosynthetic seasonality in Amazon evergreen forests, Science, 351, 972–976, 2016.
Yan, H., Wang, S. Q., Billesbach, D., Oechel, W., Bohrer, G., Meyers, T., Martin, T. A., Matamala, R., Phillips, R. P., Rahman, F., Yu, Q., and Shugart, H. H.: Improved global simulations of gross primary product based on a new definition of water stress factor and a separate treatment of C3 and C4 plants, Ecol. Modell., 297, 42–59, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2014.11.002, 2015.
Yuan, W., Liu, S., Zhou, G., Zhou, G., Tieszen, L. L., Baldocchi, D., Bernhofer, C., Gholz, H., Goldstein, A. H., Goulden, M. L., Hollinger, D. Y., Hu, Y., Law, B. E., Stoy, P. C., Vesala, T., and Wofsy, S. C.: Deriving a light use efficiency model from eddy covariance flux data for predicting daily gross primary production across biomes, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 143, 189–207, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2006.12.001, 2007.
Zhao, M. and Running, S. W.: Drought-induced reduction in global terrestrial net primary production from 2000 through 2009, Science, 329, 940–943, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1192666, 2010.
Zhu, X. G., Long, S. P., and Ort, D. R.: What is the maximum efficiency with which photosynthesis can convert solar energy into biomass?, Curr. Opin. Biotech., 19, 153–159, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2008.02.004, 2008.
Short summary
Separating tree and grass productivity dynamics in savanna ecosystems is vital for understanding how they function over time. We showed how tree-grass phenology information can improve model estimates of gross primary productivity in an Australian tropical savanna. Our findings will contribute towards improved modelling of productivity in savannas, which will assist with their management into the future.
Separating tree and grass productivity dynamics in savanna ecosystems is vital for understanding...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint