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Incorporating the effects of changes in vegetation functioning and CO2 on water availability in plant habitat models.

Authors :
Rickebusch S
Thuiller W
Hickler T
Arau Jo MB
Sykes MT
Schweiger O
Lafourcade B
Source :
Biology letters [Biol Lett] 2008 Oct 23; Vol. 4 (5), pp. 556-9.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

The direct effects of CO2 level changes on plant water availability are usually ignored in plant habitat models. We compare traditional proxies for water availability with changes in soil water (fAWC) predicted by a process-based ecosystem model, which simulates changes in vegetation structure and functioning, including CO2 physiological effects. We modelled current and future habitats of 108 European tree species using ensemble forecasting, comprising six habitat models, two model evaluation methods and two climate change scenarios. The fAWC models' projections are generally more conservative. Potential habitats shrink significantly less for boreo-alpine and alpine species. Changes in vegetation functioning and CO2 on plant water availability should therefore be taken into account in plant habitat change projections.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1744-9561
Volume :
4
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Biology letters
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
18664420
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2008.0105