Chin J Plan Ecolo ›› 2016, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (6): 631-642.DOI: 10.17521/cjpe.2015.0480

• Reviews • Previous Articles    

Optimal stomatal behavior theory for simulating stomatal conductance

Jia-Zhi FAN1, Dan WANG1,*(), Ya-Lin HU2, Pan-Pan JING1, Peng-Peng WANG1, Jiquan CHEN1,3,*()   

  1. 1International Center for Ecology, Meteorology and Environment, School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, China

    2Forestry College of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China

    3CGCEO/Geography, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
  • Received:2015-12-31 Accepted:2016-03-26 Online:2016-06-30 Published:2016-06-15
  • Contact: Dan WANG,Jiquan CHEN

Abstract:

Among the most critical processes in simulating terrestrial ecosystem performance is the regulatory role of stomata in carbon and water cycles. Compared with field measurements, the changes in stomatal slope caused by the biophysical environment provide a simple but effective synthetic framework for studying climate-related carbon and water cycling, due to its sensitivity to CO2, vapor pressure deficit, and photosynthesis. It is also crucial in understanding the effects of climate change on photosynthesis and water use efficiency. Endeavored by numerous scholastic efforts, stomatal conductance models have been improved based on experimental, semi-experimental, and mechanical processes. However, the underlying biological mechanisms and the dynamics of key parameters in these models remain unexplored, especially regarding the changes in stomatal slope. By improving the understanding of the stomata’s regulatory role, we reduced the uncertainty of stomatal conductance simulation. We then synthesized the recent developments and lessons in optimal stomatal behavior theory to simulate stomatal conductance and included an introduction to widely used stomatal conductance models and parameters, the main factors influencing stomatal slopes, and applications of the mechanical stomatal conductance models in different ecosystems. Based on our literature review, we proposed that future research is needed on the optimal stomatal behavior theory and its applications in simulating stomatal conductance.

Key words: stomatal slope, carbon water coupling, optimal stomatal behavior theory, stomatal conductance models, marginal water use efficiency