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How is Climate Change Affecting Photosynthesis?
The short answer is, it depends. Whether climate change affects photosynthesis and what the effects are, depends on many factors. The effects of climate change on photosynthesis will depend on soil water, nutrient availability, species, and climactic conditions. Plant physiological processes like stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photorespiration moderate climate change effects on photosynthesis. More CO2… Continue reading…
The Importance of Plant Research in 2023
It may sound surprising in this age of accelerating manufacturing, but we need more plant research than ever before. We need to provide food security for a growing population in a changing climate. So novel cropping systems are necessary without harming the environment. Basic research will improve our understanding of plants to the environment, while… Continue reading…
CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter Live Training
Learn More | Request a Quote | Schedule a Consultation Leaf area data is being used to understand vital plant responses in forestry, agronomy, and environmental research. Join Director of Applied Science Galen George for an in-depth, live training on the use and application of the CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter. We have designed this training to… Continue reading…
Stomatal Conductance: Functions, Measurement, and Applications
Though a common plant function, much remains unknown about stomatal conductance, especially at larger ecosystem scales while its associated processes like photosynthesis and, to a lesser extent, transpiration, are largely well studied. This research gap is surprising considering that sophisticated tools exist to rapidly and accurately measure stomatal conductance in the field. Modern infrared gas… Continue reading…
Teaching with plant science tools
Kim Collins and her team at Northport High School have been utilizing the CI-710s SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer to lend a modern, data-driven approach to students’ research projects. In this interview, we dive into how this technology-forward curriculum is empowering the next generation of plant science researchers and explore two unique student-led projects using Spectravue.
How is Human Activity Altering Forest Canopy Dynamics?
Forest disturbance alters microclimate, including light quality and quantity, that can have a far-reaching influence on forest structure and composition. Species need different wavelengths or quality of light for germination. Modulation of light by the canopy influences understory growth. Edge effects favor early succession species. Forests nowadays face unprecedented levels of disturbance from human activity.… Continue reading…
Using Minirhizotrons in Wetland Studies
Understanding underground carbon fluxes in wetlands has been challenging since the standard methods have primarily been destructive. Non-destructive minirhizotrons were tested as a possible solution to studying underground dynamics. Minirhizotron installation, anchorage, image capture and analysis, and data upscaling recommendations are made to meet the needs of the unique environment of wetlands. A Methodological Framework… Continue reading…
CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter Live Training
Learn More | Request a Quote | Schedule a Consultation Leaf area data is being used to understand vital plant responses in forestry, agronomy, and environmental research. Join Application Scientist Eric Munoz for an in-depth, live training on the use and application of the CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter. We have designed this training to take… Continue reading…
Transpiration, Evapotranspiration, and Leaf Area Index
Increasing evapotranspiration due to global warming is changing the climate. Yet global estimates of transpiration, its major component, are not definite. Global transpiration estimates vary due to different methodologies, approaches, and scales. Including field data in global-scale models is crucial for accurately determining transpiration. Leaf Area Index is an excellent proxy for calculating transpiration by… Continue reading…
5 Ways to Improve Water Use Efficiency
Improving water use efficiency, the ratio of yield to water supplied can boost food production for a growing population without additional use of limited water resources. Water use efficiency for food production can be improved at the farm or plant level. On farms, this can be achieved through optimized management. At the plant level, improvements… Continue reading…
