An eco-physiological model of forest photosynthesis and transpiration under combined nitrogen and water limitation.

Although the separate effects of water and nitrogen (N) limitations on forest growth are well known, the question of how to predict their combined effects remains a challenge for modeling of climate change impacts on forests. Here, we address this challenge by developing a new eco-physiological model that accounts for plasticity in stomatal conductance and leaf N concentration. Based on optimality principle, our model determines stomatal conductance and leaf N concentration by balancing carbon uptake maximization, hydraulic risk and cost of maintaining photosynthetic capacity.

Probing Temperature Changes Using Nonradiative Processes in Hyperbolic Meta-Antennas.

Multilayered metal-dielectric nanostructures display both a strong plasmonic behavior and hyperbolic optical dispersion. The latter is responsible for the appearance of two separated radiative and nonradiative channels in the extinction spectrum of these structures. This unique property can open plenty of opportunities toward the development of multifunctional systems that simultaneously can behave as optimal scatterers and absorbers at different wavelengths, an important feature to achieve multiscale control of light-matter interactions in different spectral regions for different types of applications, such as optical computing or detection of thermal radiation.

Improved methodology for tracing a pulse of 13C-labelled tree photosynthate carbon to ectomycorrhizal roots, other soil biota and soil processes in the field.

Isotopic pulse-labelling of photosynthate allows tracing of carbon (C) from tree canopies to below-ground biota and calculations of its turnover in roots and recipient soil microorganisms. A high concentration of label is desirable but is difficult to achieve in field studies of intact ecosystem patches with trees. Moreover, root systems of trees overlap considerably in most forests, which requires a large labelled area to minimize the impact of C allocated below-ground by un-labelled trees.

Mother trees, altruistic fungi, and the perils of plant personification.

There are growing doubts about the true role of the common mycorrhizal networks (CMN or wood wide web) connecting the roots of trees in forests. We question the claims of a substantial carbon transfer from 'mother trees' to their offspring and nearby seedlings through the CMN. Recent reviews show that evidence for the 'mother tree concept' is inconclusive or absent.