The book begins with the small-scale physics of internal control of forest growth represented by the vertical fluxes of light, CO2, water vapor, and sensible heat within the canopy. The scope then widens to consider the large-scale physics of the external control offered by the balances of thermal energy and water.
This leads to the specification of the two state variables of a maximally productive canopy structure and completes the hydrologic surface boundary condition for given climate, soil, and plant species. Finally, by idealizing the stomatal responses to both light and available water, and assuming a preferred average state of zero plant stress, necessary relations are obtained among species, climate, and soil for maximum plant productivity. These new ideas are used to define the "climax" bounds of plant habitat and to estimate net primary productivity in the canopy.
1. Introduction and Overview
2. Canopy structure
3. Radiant fluxes
4. Turbulent fluxes
5. Thermal energy balance
6. Water balance
7. Optimal canopy conductance
8. Optimal bioclimate
9. Natural habitats and climax communities
10. Net primary productivity and ecotones
etc.