Showcasing the potential of the ICOS-Ecosystem network for Cal/Val of spaceborne imaging spectrometers: the Majadas (ES-LMa) site

Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is an optical signal emitted by plants, connected to the biochemical status of the plants. Therefore it helps to unveil what happens inside plants and since it can be observed with remote sensing, it provides a global view of plant activity. We included SIF module in a terrestrial biosphere model and examined how to best describe movement of the SIF signal in the forest. Our work will help to model SIF in boreal coniferous forests.

Measuring biodiversity is necessary to assess its loss, evolution, and role in ecosystem functions. Satellites image the whole terrestrial surface and could cost-efficiently map plant diversity globally. However, developing the necessary methods lacks consistent and sufficient field measurements. Thus, we propose using a simulation tool that generates virtual ecosystems, with species properties and functions varying in response to meteorology and the respective remote sensing imagery.

We studied a Mediterranean ecosystem to understand carbon uptake efficiency and its controls. These ecosystems face potential nitrogen-phosphorus imbalances due to pollution. Analysing six years of carbon data, we assessed controls at different timeframes. This is crucial for predicting such vulnerable regions. Our findings revealed N limitation on C uptake, not N:P imbalance, and strong influence of water availability. whether drought or wetness promoted net C uptake depended on timescale.