Summary
This modelling study adapted the Trait-based Forest Simulator to include demographic processes (recruitment, growth, mortality) to investigate the relative importance of climate versus plant functional traits in controlling Amazonian forest productivity and structure. Simulations across two contrasting sites demonstrated that climate, rather than plant traits, drives differences in productivity, though wood density played a key role in mediating tree mortality and forest structure. The model successfully reproduced gross and net primary production but underestimated organ-level processes and recruitment dynamics, suggesting either that the studied forests are not in equilibrium or that important mechanisms remain unrepresented.
Regional applicability
This study focuses on tropical Amazon forests and is not directly applicable to United Kingdom farming or forestry systems. The findings may inform broader understanding of how climate and plant traits interact to control forest carbon cycling globally, but require substantial localisation for temperate woodland or agricultural contexts.
Key measures
Gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP), respiration, tree mortality rates, recruitment rates, forest structure (stem numbers), leaf traits, wood density
Outcomes reported
The study used individual-based modelling to simulate how climate and plant functional traits control forest productivity, structure, and demography across two Amazonian sites with contrasting precipitation regimes. The model reproduced gross and net primary production but underestimated mortality, recruitment rates, and organ-level respiration.
Topic tags
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