Cropper, Jr. W. P., K. D. Peterson, and R. O. Teskey. 1998. MAESTRO
Simulations of the Response of Loblolly Pine to Elevated Temperature
and Carbon Dioxide. Chpt. 18, pp.327-339 In: R. A. Mickler and S. Fox (eds.). The Productivity and Sustainability of Southern Forest Ecosystems
in a Changing Environment. Springer, New York. 892p.
The MAESTRO simulator, a component of the
IMP Linked Dynamic Model, is
modified to incorporate realistic representations of loblolly pine
crown shape and foliage distribution, as well as maintenance
respiration of all pine tissues. MAESTRO applications simulate net tree
carbon exchange (assimilation - maintenance respiration) under
scenarios of elevated temperature and atmospheric CO2. A temperature
increase of 4 degrees C reduces net tree carbon gain due to increased
maintenance respiration and reduced mesophyll and stomatal
conductances. Doubling mean atmospheric CO2 from 360 to 720 uL/L
increases assimilation substantially in all seasons. This effect
coupled with CO2 supression of maintenance respiration results in
increased net carbon uptake for target trees (size range from small to
large), even when temperature is increased by four degrees C.