Biogeographic variation in evergreen conifer needle longevity and impacts on boreal forest carbon cycle projections

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1216054110
• Publication Date: 2014-09-16T08:31:40Z
• Authors: Peter B. Reich; Roy L. Rich; Xingjie Lu; Ying-Ping Wang; Jacek Oleksyn
• Keywords: Biome

Significance How evergreen tree needle longevity varies from south to north in the boreal biome is poorly quantified and therefore ignored vegetation earth system models. This problematic, because translates directly into turnover rate profoundly affects carbon cycling both nature computer Herein we present data for five widespread conifers, including pines spruces, >125 sites along a 2,000-km gradient. For each species, individuals colder, more northern environments had longer life span, highlighting its importance ecological success. Incorporating biogeography of global model improved predictions forest productivity identified specific problems models that ignore such variability.