Hamid led a significant new publication, titled “Canopy Structure Exhibits Linear and Nonlinear Links to Biome-Level Maximum Light Use Efficiency“, in Ecology Letters.
By synthesizing data from an extensive network of 320 global eddy covariance sites, we explored how variations in canopy structure, measured through satellite-derived vegetation reflectance indices, impact the maximum efficiency with which ecosystems convert light into carbon (maximum light use efficiency, ε_biome).
Findings showed a distinct nonlinear relationship, with ε_biome increasing as canopy density increased, ultimately reaching saturation at higher leaf densities. Interestingly, crop systems and tropical evergreen forests stood out as exceptions, demonstrating unique efficiency dynamics.
A key advancement in this research was the introduction of a new metric, normalized near-infrared reflectance (NIRvN), which successfully separates leaf quantity effects from canopy architectural influences. Moreover, the study revealed a strong negative linear correlation between ε_biome and NIRvN, highlighting the significance of canopy architecture in controlling global patterns of light use efficiency of carbon uptake.
The article is openly accessible via the following DOI link: https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.70142.