Improved light and temperature responses for light use efficiency based GPP models

. Gross primary production (GPP) is the process by which carbon enters ecosystems. Diagnostic models, based on the theory of light use efficiency (LUE) have emerged as one method to estimate ecosystem GPP. However, problems have been noted particularly when applying global results at regional levels. We hypothesize that accounting for non-linear light response and temperature acclimation of daily GPP in boreal regions will improve model performance. To test this hypothesis, we have chosen four diagnostic models for comparison, namely: an LUE model (linear in its light response) both with and without temperature acclimation and an LUE model and a big leaf model both with temperature acclimation and non-linear in their light response. All models include environmental modifiers for temperature and vapour pressure deficit (VPD). Initially, all models were calibrated against four eddy covariance sites within Russia for the years 2002–2004, for a total of 10 site years. Model evaluation was performed via 10-out cross-validation. This study presents a methodology for comparing diagnostic modeling approaches. Cross validation clearly demonstrates the improvement in model performance that temperature acclimation makes in modeling GPP at strongly temperature controlled sites in Russia. Additionally, the inclusion of a non-linear light response function is shown to further improve performance. Furthermore we demonstrate the parameterization of the big leaf model, incorporating environmental modifiers for temperature and VPD.