Sensitivity of a mechanistic photosynthesis model to tropical Andean species and environments

作者：Sebastián González-Caro, Mirindi Eric Dusenge, Zorayda Restrepo, Andrew J. F. Cox, Ian P. Hartley, Patrick Meir, Adriana Sánchez, Daniel Ruíz, L. Mercado · 发表于：Biogeosciences · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.5194/bg-23-3347-2026 · 研究领域：Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics、Remote Sensing in Agriculture、Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms

Abstract. Andean tropical montane forests are highly biodiverse ecosystems with a carbon storage capacity comparable to lowland forests. However, their response to climate change remains uncertain, as species photosynthesis depends on their thermal acclimation capacity. This study evaluates the variability of photosynthetic traits across montane and lowland tree species using a leaf level photosynthesis model and data from a transplant experiment across three elevations varying in their mean annual temperatures (14, 22, and 26 °C) in the tropical Andes. Six montane species and two lowland species were analyzed to assess photosynthetic responses to environmental conditions. We find that intraspecific variability in photosynthetic parameters, such as the apparent maximum carboxylation capacity and the apparent maximum electron transport rate, is key to accurately model photosynthesis in these ecosystems. Apparent maximum carboxylation capacity was identified as the primary determinant of diurnal variations in photosynthesis, especially under varying thermal environments. Additionally, stomatal conductance was highly variable and responded to vapor pressure deficit, suggesting that stomatal regulation is crucial for adaptation to environmental changes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that at higher altitudes (14 °C), photosynthetically active radiation and temperature were the main limiting factors for photosynthesis, while at lower altitudes (22 °C), vapor pressure deficit was th...