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- Title
New insights into carbon allocation by trees from the hypothesis that annual wood production is maximized.
- Authors
McMurtrie, Ross E.; Dewar, Roderick C.
- Abstract
Allocation of carbon ( C) between tree components (leaves, fine roots and woody structures) is an important determinant of terrestrial C sequestration. Yet, because the mechanisms underlying C allocation are poorly understood, it is a weak link in current earth-system models. We obtain new theoretical insights into C allocation from the hypothesis ( MaxW) that annual wood production is maximized., MaxW is implemented using a model of tree C and nitrogen ( N) balance with a vertically resolved canopy and root system for stands of Norway spruce ( Picea abies)., MaxW predicts optimal vertical profiles of leaf N and root biomass, optimal canopy leaf area index and rooting depth, and the associated optimal pattern of C allocation., Key insights include a predicted optimal C-N functional balance between leaves at the base of the canopy and the deepest roots, according to which the net C export from basal leaves is just sufficient to grow the basal roots required to meet their N requirement. MaxW links the traits of basal leaves and roots to whole-tree C and N uptake, and unifies two previous optimization hypotheses (maximum gross primary production, maximum N uptake) that have been applied independently to canopies and root systems.
- Subjects
PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of carbon; WOOD; CARBON sequestration; NORWAY spruce; PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of nitrogen; ALLOMETRY in plants
- Publication
New Phytologist, 2013, Vol 199, Issue 4, p981
- ISSN
0028-646X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/nph.12344