Carbon dynamics modeling and uncertainty analysis in the New Jersey Pinelands

Zewei Miao, Richard G. Lathrop, Ming Xu, Inga P. LaPuma, Kenneth L. Clark, John Hom, Nicholas Skowronski, Steve Van Tuyl

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A major challenge in modeling the carbon dynamics of vegetation communities is the proper parameterization and calibration of eco-physiological variables that are critical determinants of the ecosystem process-based model behavior. In this study, we employed in situ AmeriFlux eddy covariance tower observations in combination with an improved ecosystem process model, WxBGC, to simulate carbon dynamics of fire-dominated forests in the New Jersey Pinelands, United States. We upscaled the tower site-based simulations to regional scale for the New Jersey Pinelands using LANDSAT-ETM land cover data. The Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (EFAST) approach was used to assess the sensitivity of model to critical eco-physiological parameters. The model predictions of CO2 net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and gross ecosystem production (GEP) were in agreement with the eddy covariance measurements at the three tower sites in 2005. The model showed poor fit in 2006, grossly overestimating NEE and the ratio of ecosystem respiration to GEP because the model did not reflect the carbon loss caused by severe defoliation related to an outbreak of gypsy moths in that year. The model simulations indicated that wildfire reduced annual NEE in pine/scrub oak forest, while prescribed burning in oak/pine and pine/oak stands led to temporary increase in NEE for a period 1-2 years post burning. The uncertainty and sensitivity of the carbon simulations were mainly attributable to the 2nd- and higher-order interactions between carbon allocation parameters, specific leaf area and fire mortality intensity.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011, ASABE 2011
PublisherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Pages3622-3631
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781618391568
StatePublished - 2011
EventAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011 - Louisville, KY, United States
Duration: Aug 7 2011Aug 10 2011

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011, ASABE 2011
Volume5

Other

OtherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLouisville, KY
Period8/7/118/10/11

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science

Keywords

  • Carbon dynamics
  • Eddy covariance tower
  • Fire effect
  • The Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test approach (EFAST)
  • WxBGC model

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