Mathematical Modelling of Terrestrial Ecosystems

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Process-based ecosystem simulation models are needed to predict changes in terrestrial C, water and nutrient cycles and in greenhouse gas (GHG) exchange under changing climate and land use.  My research program is intended to meet this need by constructing and testing a mathematical model (ecosys) of natural and managed ecosystems. This model is distinguished from other such models by the comprehensiveness of its processes and the detail to which they are represented. This detail allows ecosystem processes to be modelled from the basic stoichiometry, energetics and kinetics of energy, C, N and P transformations derived from fundamental theory and independent, well-constrained experiments. The model thus integrates basic findings from component disciplines (biometeorology, plant biology, soil biology, soil physics, soil chemistry, agronomy) into the study of complex ecosystem behaviour. The detail of its component processes allows the model to function at the small temporal and spatial scales needed for well-constrained model tests against, for example, CO2 and energy fluxes from eddy covariance towers. This modelling implements many advances in approaches and techniques currently used in ecosystem modelling. These advances are documented in over 80 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.