PLANTMOD: Exploring the physiology of Plant Communities

PLANTMOD 2.1 is a sophisticated interactive software package with comprehensive manual for anyone researching or teaching the growth of plants and plant communities. It is designed to run under Microsoft Windows 3.1 and is easy to use. Sample sessions are provided for each model to speed the learning process. * Light attenuation: See how direct and diffuse components of irradiance are intercepted and attenuated through the depth of the canopy. * Photosynthesis: explore the response of single-leaf and plant communities (canopy) photosynthetic rates to environmental factors including atmosheric CO2. For daily canopy net photosynthesis, plant photosynthetic enzyme levels can be prescribed or calculated for optimum balance between gross photosynthetic inputs and respiratory losses in response to irradiance, temperature and atmospheric CO2. Direct and diffuse components of irradiance are included in the models. Also, observe how factors such as canopy nitrogen and conductance to water vapour adapt to environmental conditions. * Transpiration: Study both instantaneous and daily transpiration. Using a basic soil water balance model, observe soil water content and its effect on transpiration as the soil dries. Choose between, or compare the Penman-Monteith equation and the Preistley-Taylor equation to predict canopy transpiration. Incorporate plant physilogical parameters, environmental inputs and canopy properties. Canopy conductance (related to stomatal conductance) can be prescribed or calculated from canopy photosynthesis, as predicted by the model. This allows the user to explore possible changes in transpiration in response to changing CO2 levels. * Temperature: Canopy temperature can differ considerably from air temperature. Observe how this is affected by environmental conditions, physiological parameters and canopy properties. * Growth functions: Gain inside and understanding into the behaviour of commonly used growth functions. Compare different growth functions on the same graph. [ Modeling Paradigm: Simulative prediction ] [ Model Ecosystem: Agriculture & apiculture (examples: arable farming, animal husbandry, horticulture, olive production, pollination, biofuels) ] http://datadiscoverystudio.org/geoportal/rest/metadata/item/aabda128611644908df725be43f4b130/html