Abstract
Main conclusion
We developed a more realistic modeling framework by integrating stem photosynthesis into the canopy carbon assimilation model to compare the photosynthetic productivity between the stem and leaf of Eucalyptus urophylla plantations.
Abstract
Stems of Eucalyptus species with smooth outer bark have photosynthetic green tissue that can recycle internal stem CO2. However, the potential contribution of stem photosynthesis to forest productivity has not previously been adequately quantified, and we also do not know how it compares to leaf photosynthetic productivity. To assist in addressing this knowledge gap, we conducted field surveys in Eucalyptus urophylla plantations of different ages and developed a more realistic modeling framework by integrating stem photosynthesis into the existing canopy carbon assimilation model. We calculated the proportion of tree stems shaded by neighboring tree trunks based on Poisson spatial point process. Under the stand density of 2000 trees per hectare, the light absorption area of tree trunks of 2-year-old and 7-year-old E. urophylla plantations were 0.11 (± 0.15) and 0.35 (± 0.12) m2 stem m−2 land, the stem photosynthetic productivity (GPPstem) was 0.72 (± 0.45) and 1.81 (± 1.12) mol C m−2 month−1, and the ratios of GPPstem to leaf photosynthetic productivity (GPPleaf) were 5.10 and 8.17% for 2- and 7-year-old plantations, respectively. Overall, this study presents the feasibility of incorporating stem photosynthesis into the productivity prediction of E. urophylla plantations by developing the stem light absorption model.
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Data availability
Data and code are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Acknowledgements
This study was supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (32171539), National Nature Science United Foundation of China (U21A2003), and Provincial Nature Science Foundation of Guangdong (2019A1515011993).
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Chen, X., Luo, M., Kang, Y. et al. Comparison between the stem and leaf photosynthetic productivity in Eucalyptus urophylla plantations with different age. Planta 257, 56 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-023-04094-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-023-04094-3