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Content archived on 2024-06-16

LIFT - Laser-Induced Fluorescence Transient: a remote sensing approach to scale and quantify photosynthetic light use efficiency in ecosystems

Objective

Determining the spatial and temporal diversity of photosynthetic processes of complex plant canopies presents many challenges, yet this information is required to improve carbon and climate models. The impacts of environmental stresses on the photosynthetic efficiency of leaves in the canopy have been included in current models but these parameterizations have not been properly validated. Some environmental stresses, such as low and high temperatures and excessive irradiance inhibit photosynthesis directly. These limitations can be quantified non-destructively by chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. With this project, we propose to further develop a new system for laser-based remote sensing (LIFT) of photosynthetic efficiency at a distance of 5 to 50m.

This technique compares well with leaf level measurements, and was tested for scanning photosynthetic efficiency in spatially extended canopies producing a map of photosynthetic efficiency of individual leaves as a function of their local environment in the canopy. We will apply the LIFT to map the progress of reduced photosynthetic efficiency by photo-inhibition under cold stress and excess light. Mapping these transitions will help us to understand the complex interactions of damage and repair processes of the photosynthetic apparatus and its overall impact on canopy photosynthesis. An improved representation of these processes in photosynthesis models will lead to a better understanding of CO2 exchange in plant ecosystems exposed to environmental stresses and will help to improve confidence in carbon models. During the return phase we will use the expertise obtained during this project to establish a European centre of competence in remote sensing of photosynthesis.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

FP6-2005-MOBILITY-6
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

OIF - Marie Curie actions-Outgoing International Fellowships

Coordinator

FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JÜLICH GMBH
EU contribution
No data
Total cost
No data

Participants (1)