Simplifying Crop Growth Response to Rising CO2 and Elevated Temperature

Abstract

Core Ideas Most modeling studies of crop growth are complex and difficult to understand. Crop growth responses to CO2 concentration follow an asymptotic exponential function. Crop growth responses follow a function of 3 cardinal temperatures: Tmax, Topt, Tmin. Merged growth responses to CO2 and temperature produce a visual 3D response surface. Graphics convey information easily understood by the general public. Crop growth responses to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and potential rising air temperatures can be a challenge for the scientist to convey in a form that the public can understand. Outputs of most modeling studies and meta‐analyses of crop responses to these two important variables can be complicated and difficult to comprehend. This paper merges two mathematical formulations, clearly illustrated in two‐dimensional graphics, to create a direct representation of crop growth responses to a range of both CO2 concentrations and air temperatures. The output is a direct graphical view of crop growth responses to both CO2 and temperature in three dimensions. The three‐dimensional graphic can be rotated to illustrate representative growth responses from various perspectives.