Whole Tree Physiology and Air Pollution Effects on Forest Trees : Relationships between above and below Ground Influences of Air Pollutants on Forest Trees. Proceedings of a workshop jointly organised by the Commission of the European Communities and the Research Institute for Forestry and Landscape Planning 'De Dorschkamp

1988

S.6-26

Zahlr. Lit.

Unselbständiges Werk

200058464

Examination of the effects of air pollutants on forests is a complex challenge that can be facilitated by analytical approaches that recognize the importance of spatially and temporally linked physiological processes. Tree physiological studies that focus on the role of pollutants in altering the supply and utilization of carbon, water, and nutrient resources within a whole tree context can provide an important integrative function linking process level changes and responses observed at the tree or stand level. An hierarchical analytical strategy has been suggested that focuses on sequential analysis of evidence of disruptions in sources and sinks of these resources. The strategy outlined is an obviously simplistic approach to the complexities of multiple stresses, multiple resources, and primary and secondary expressions of response to those combinations. However it provides a logical framework within which strong inference can be directed to more efficiently focus research to reduce the substantial uncertainties associated with relating changes in pollutant deposition and alterations int he functional integrity of forest systems.