Abstract
In forested portions of Oregon, species richness of woody plants on plots 400-500 m 2 ranged from 1 to .20. We investigated what might account for this variation using a satellite-driven process model that predicts gross photosynthesis and establishes, on a monthly time step, the most constraining environmental variable. Independent satellite and ground-based data confirmed that the highest species richness occurs on sites of in- termediate productivity, where 60-70% of the light is intercepted by vegetation. We dem- onstrated that most photosynthesis takes place during the spring and summer months for both evergreen and deciduous species. We estimated that the spring to summer ratio of gross photosynthesis (DPG) varies from , 1t o.5 across the state. Both the most productive coastal rainforests and least productive arid woodlands exhibited the lowest values of DPG near 1, and had lowest species richness. Plots with highest species richness were located in areas with mild, moist, spring weather conditions, followed by a summer drought, with DPG averaging above 3. Satellite-derived estimates of gross photosynthesis are available for more extensive analysis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
