Ernst Detlef Schulze

Bio: Ernst Detlef Schulze is an academic researcher from Max Planck Society. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biodiversity & Ecosystem. The author has an hindex of 133, co-authored 670 publications receiving 69504 citations. Previous affiliations of Ernst Detlef Schulze include University of Idaho & University of Utah.

Isotope ratios and concentrations of sulfur and nitrogen in needles and soils of Picea abies stands as influenced by atmospheric deposition of sulfur and nitrogen compounds

Abstract: Concentrations and natural isotope abundance of total sulfur and nitrogen as well as sulfate and nitrate concentrations were measured in needles of different age classes and in soil samples of different horizons from a healthy and a declining Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) forest in the Fichtelgebirge (NE Bavaria, Germany), in order to study the fate of atmospheric depositions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds. The mean δ15N of the needles ranged between −3.7 and −2.1 ‰ and for δ34S a range between −0.4 and +0.9 ‰ was observed. δ34S and sulfur concentrations in the needles of both stands increased continuously with needle age and thus, were closely correlated. The δ15N values of the needles showed an initial decrease followed by an increase with needle age. The healthy stand showed more negative δ15N values in old needles than the declining stand. Nitrogen concentrations decreased with needle age. For soil samples at both sites the mean δ15N and δ34S values increased from −3 ‰ (δ15N) or +0.9 ‰ (δ34S) in the uppermost organic layer to about +4 ‰ (δ15N) or +4.5 ‰ (δ34S) in the mineral soil. This depth-dependent increase in abundance of 15N and 34S was accompanied by a decrease in total nitrogen and sulfur concentrations in the soil. δ15N values and nitrogen concentrations were closely correlated (slope −0.0061 ‰ δ15N per μmol eq N gdw −1), and δ34S values were linearly correlated with sulfur concentrations (slope −0.0576 ‰ δ34S per μmol eq S gdw −1). It follows that in the same soil samples sulfur concentrations were linearly correlated with the nitrogen concentrations (slope 0.0527), and δ34S values were linearly correlated with δ15N values (slope 0.459). A correlation of the sulfur and nitrogen isotope abundances on a Δ basis (which considers the different relative frequencies of 15N and 34S), however, revealed an isotope fractionation that was higher by a factor of 5 for sulfur than for nitrogen (slope 5.292). These correlations indicate a long term synchronous mineralization of organic nitrogen and sulfur compounds in the soil accompanied by element-specific isotope fractionations. Based on different sulfur isotope abundance of the soil (δ34S=0.9 ‰ for total sulfur of the organic layer was assumed to be equivalent to about −1.0 ‰ for soil sulfate) and of the atmospheric SO2 deposition (δ34S=2.0 ‰ at the healthy site and 2.3 ‰ at the declining site) the contribution of atmospheric SO2 to total sulfur of the needles was estimated. This contribution increased from about 20 % in current-year needles to more than 50 % in 3-year-old needles. The proportion of sulfur from atmospheric deposition was equivalent to the age dependent sulfate accumulation in the needles. In contrast to the accumulation of atmospheric sulfur compounds nitrogen compounds from atmospheric deposition were metabolized and were used for growth. The implications of both responses to atmospheric deposition are discussed.

Water and plant life : problems and modern approaches

Abstract: 1 Fundamentals of Plant Water Relations- Preface- A The Structure of Water in the Biological Cell- I Introduction- II Evidence for Structured Aqueous Boundary Layers- III Thermal Anomalies in Biological Tissues- IV Properties of Aqueous Electrolyte Layers- V Conclusions- References- B The States of Water in the Plant-Theoretical Consideration- I Introduction- II Physiological Importance of Processes and Properties Involving Water- III Metabolism and Water Relations- IV Conclusions- References- C The Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum- I Introduction- II Description of the Turgor Pressure as a Function of Environmental Variables- III Water Flow in the SPAC as a Link Between Plant and Environment- IV The Solute-free Transport System- V Effects of Solutes in the SPAC- VI Changes in Resistances or Potential Differences- VII Conclusions- References- D The Water Status in the Plant-Experimental Evidence- I Introduction- II Current Methods for the Determination of Total Water Potential and Its Components- III The Range of Water Potentials Hitherto Determined and the Continuum Conditions Favoring Extreme Values- IV The Component Potentials Adjusting Total Water Potential in the Plant Body: Ranges and Changes- V Why does Water Potential in a Plant Change?- VI Conclusions- References- 2 Water Uptake and Soil Water Relations- Preface- A Root Extension and Water Absorption- I Introduction- II Water Movement Through the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum: Limitations in the Liquid Phase- III Root Extension and Facilitation of Water Uptake in Unexplored Soil Regions- IV Root Extension Within the Rooted Zone: A Case for Avoidance of Localized Rhizospheric Resistances- V Conclusions- References- B Resistance to Water Flow in the Roots of Cereals- I Introduction- II Anatomy of Cereal Roots- III Zone of Water Absorption- IV Forces Causing Flow of Water- V Resistance to Flow- VI Effect of Root Resistance on Withdrawal of Water from the Soil- VII Conclusions- References- C Soil Water Relations and Water Exchange of Forest Ecosystems- I Introduction- II Water Balance- III Fundamental Equations and Principles- IV Simulation of Evapotranspiration and Percolation- V Conclusions- References- 3 Transpiration and Its Regulation- Preface- A Energy Exchange and Transpiration- I Introduction- II Gas Diffusion- III Energy Balance- IV Transpiration- V Wind Speed Influence- VI Leaf Temperature Affected by Transpiration- VII Conclusions- References- B Water Permeability of Cuticular Membranes- I Introduction- II Cuticular Transpiration-Early Observations and Hypotheses- III The Concept of the Polar Pathway Through Lipid Membranes- IV Conclusions- References- C Physiological Basis of Stomatal Response- I Introduction- II Biochemical Processes Leading to Movement- III Conclusions: Ability of the Mechanism to Explain the Known Facts- References- D Current Perspectives of Steady-state Stomatal Responses to Environment- I Introduction- II Measurement of Stomatal Responses to Environment- III Steady-state Stomatal Responses to Environment- IV Stomatal Responses to Diurnal Changes in Environment- V Conclusions and Future Research Directions- References- E Water Uptake, Storage and Transpiration by Conifers: A Physiological Model- I Introduction- II Description of the Model- III Applications- IV Conclusions- References- 4 Direct and Indirect Water Stress- Preface- A Water Stress, Ultrastructure and Enzymatic Activity- I Introduction- II Effects of Water Stress on Hydrolytic Enzymatic Activity- III Effects of Water Stress on the Ultrastructure of the Cell- IV Relationships of Ultrastructural Alteration and Hydrolytic Enzyme Decompartmentation and Activation, with Alteration of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria Metabolism- V Conclusions- References- B Water Stress and Hormonal Response- I Introduction- II Endogenous Hormonal Changes Due to Water Stress- III The Physiological Significance of Hormonal Effects- IV A Hypothetical Model for the Role of Hormones in Plant Adaptation to Water Stress- V Conclusions- References- C Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism Under Water Stress- I Introduction- II Carbon Metabolism Under Water Stress- III Nitrogen Metabolism Under Water Stress- IV Biochemical Aspects of Desiccation Resistance- V Conclusions- References- D Water Stress During Freezing- I Introduction- II Frost Injury- III Frost Resistance- IV Conclusions- References- E Cell Permeability and Water Stress- I Introduction- II Principles of Cell Permeability- III Quantitative Determination of Permeability- IV Alterations of Cell Permeability by the Plant Water Deficit- V Possible Mechanisms for Changes in Cell Permeability by Plant Water Stress- VI Conclusions- References- F Water Stress and Dynamics of Growth and Yield of Crop Plants- I Introduction- II Overview of Growth and Yield as Affected by Water- III Some Behavior Observed in the Field- IV Concluding Remarks- References- 5 Water Relations and CO2 Fixation Types- Preface- A Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM): CO2 and Water Economy- I Introduction- II Carbon Metabolism of CAM Plants- III Gas Exchange of CAM Plants- IV Ecological Aspects of CAM- V Conclusions- References- B Balance Between C3 and CAM Pathway of Photosynthesis- I Introduction- II Adaptation to Salinity- III Environmental Control of Photosynthetic Pathways- IV Regulation of the Balance between C3 and CAM- V Ecological Aspects- References- C C4 Pathway and Regulation of the Balance Between C4 and C3 Metabolism- I Introduction- II Carbon Metabolism of C4 Plants- III General Characteristics of C4 Plants- IV Factors Affecting Shift- V Natural C3-C4 Intermediates- VI Ecological Implications- VII Conclusions- References- D Ecophysiology of C4 Grasses- I Introduction- II Environmental Conditions- III Physiological Responses to Environmental Conditions- IV Ecological Implications- V Conclusions: Future Research- References- 6 Water Relations and Productivity- Preface- A The Use of Correlation Models to Predict Primary Productivity from Precipitation or Evapotranspiration- I Introduction- II Construction of Correlation Models and Geographical Patterns (Surfaces)- III Some Examples of Correlation Models of Net Primary Productivity versus Water Factor- IV Accuracy of Correlation Models- V Conclusions- References- B The Use of Simulation Models for Productivity Studies in Arid Regions- I Introduction- II The Structure of the Model- III Description of the Model ARID CROP- IV Validation of the Model- V Application of the Model- VI Conclusions- References- C Irrigation and Water Use Efficiency- I Introduction- II Efficiency of Water Supply- III Transpiration/Photosynthesis Relationships- IV Some Agronomic Aspects- V Conclusions- References- D Estimating Water Status and Biomass of Plant Communities by Remote Sensing- I Introduction- II Water Stress, Reflectance, and Temperature of Single Leaves- III Reflectance and Biomass of Communities- IV Conclusions- References- E Plant Production in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas- I Introduction- II Survey of Phytomass, Net Annual and Relative Annual Production of Some Main Vegetation Units of the Globe- III Phytomass and Production of Some Arid and Semi-Arid Vegetation Units and their Annual Fluctuations- IV Permanent Phytomass- V Potential Production- VI Recovery- VII Conclusions- References- F Water Content and Productivity of Lichens- I Introduction- II Productivity of Lichens- III Water Relations of Lichens- IV Thallus Water Content and Physiological Response- V Conclusions: Water Relations and Productivity-a Synthesis- References- 7 Water and Vegetation Patterns- Preface- A Water Relations and Alpine Timberline- I Introduction- II Water Relations of Trees at the Timberline- III Causes of Winter Desiccation of Trees at Timberline- IV Conclusions: Ecophysiological Analysis of the Alpine Timberline and its Dynamics- References- B The Water Factor and Convergent Evolution in Mediterranean-type Vegetation- I Introduction- II Environmental Stresses in Mediterranean-type Climates- III Ecological Significance of Leaf Structure- IV Seasonal Patterns of Photosynthesis, Water Relations and Productivity- V Evolutionary Consequences of Mediterranean-type Environmental Stresses- VI Conclusions- References- C The Water-Photosynthesis Syndrome and the Geographical Plant Distribution in the Saharan Deserts- I Introduction- II The Floristic and Physiognomic Aspects of the Sahara- III The Water-Photosynthesis Syndrome in the Northern and in the Southern Sahara- IV Holarctic and Palaeotropic Constitution Types- V Conclusions- References- Index of Plant Species

An estimate of the terrestrial carbon budget of Russia using inventory based, eddy covariance and inversion methods

Abstract: . We determine the net land to atmosphere flux of carbon in Russia, including Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan, using inventory-based, eddy covariance, and inversion methods. Our high boundary estimate is −342 Tg C yr−1 from the eddy covariance method, and this is close to the upper bounds of the inventory-based Land Ecosystem Assessment and inverse models estimates. A lower boundary estimate is provided at −1350 Tg C yr−1 from the inversion models. The average of the three methods is −613.5 Tg C yr−1. The methane emission is estimated separately at 41.4 Tg C yr−1. These three methods agree well within their respective error bounds. There is thus good consistency between bottom-up and top-down methods. The forests of Russia primarily cause the net atmosphere to land flux (−692 Tg C yr−1 from the LEA. It remains however remarkable that the three methods provide such close estimates (−615, −662, −554 Tg C yr–1) for net biome production (NBP), given the inherent uncertainties in all of the approaches. The lack of recent forest inventories, the few eddy covariance sites and associated uncertainty with upscaling and undersampling of concentrations for the inversions are among the prime causes of the uncertainty. The dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) suggest a much lower uptake at −91 Tg C yr−1, and we argue that this is caused by a high estimate of heterotrophic respiration compared to other methods.

Carbon stocks and soil respiration rates during deforestation, grassland use and subsequent Norway spruce afforestation in the Southern Alps, Italy

Abstract: Changes in carbon stocks during deforestation, reforestation and afforestation play an important role in the global carbon cycle. Cultivation of forest lands leads to substantial losses in both biomass and soil carbon, whereas forest regrowth is considered to be a significant carbon sink. We examined below- and aboveground carbon stocks along a chronosequence of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands (0-62 years old) regenerating on abandoned meadows in the Southern Alps. A 130-year-old mixed coniferous Norway spruce-white fir (Abies alba Mill.) forest, managed by selection cutting, was used as an undisturbed control. Deforestation about 260 years ago led to carbon losses of 53 Mg C ha(-1) from the organic layer and 12 Mg C ha(-1) from the upper mineral horizons (Ah, E). During the next 200 years of grassland use, the new Ah horizon sequestered 29 Mg C ha(-1). After the abandonment of these meadows, carbon stocks in tree stems increased exponentially during natural forest succession, levelling off at about 190 Mg C ha(-1) in the 62-year-old Norway spruce and the 130-year-old Norway spruce-white fir stands. In contrast, carbon stocks in the organic soil layer increased linearly with stand age. During the first 62 years, carbon accumulated at a rate of 0.36 Mg C ha(-1) year(-1) in the organic soil layer. No clear trend with stand age was observed for the carbon stocks in the Ah horizon. Soil respiration rates were similar for all forest stands independently of organic layer thickness or carbon stocks, but the highest rates were observed in the cultivated meadow. Thus, increasing litter inputs by forest vegetation compared with the meadow, and constantly low decomposition rates of coniferous litter were probably responsible for continuous soil carbon sequestration during forest succession. Carbon accumulation in woody biomass seemed to slow down after 60 to 80 years, but continued in the organic soil layer. We conclude that, under present climatic conditions, forest soils act as more persistent carbon sinks than vegetation that will be harvested, releasing the carbon sequestered during tree growth.

The Theory of Island Biogeography

Abstract: Preface to the Princeton Landmarks in Biology Edition vii Preface xi Symbols Used xiii 1. The Importance of Islands 3 2. Area and Number of Speicies 8 3. Further Explanations of the Area-Diversity Pattern 19 4. The Strategy of Colonization 68 5. Invasibility and the Variable Niche 94 6. Stepping Stones and Biotic Exchange 123 7. Evolutionary Changes Following Colonization 145 8. Prospect 181 Glossary 185 References 193 Index 201

Effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning: a consensus of current knowledge

Abstract: Humans are altering the composition of biological communities through a variety of activities that increase rates of species invasions and species extinctions, at all scales, from local to global. These changes in components of the Earth's biodiversity cause concern for ethical and aesthetic reasons, but they also have a strong potential to alter ecosystem properties and the goods and services they provide to humanity. Ecological experiments, observations, and theoretical developments show that ecosystem properties depend greatly on biodiversity in terms of the functional characteristics of organisms present in the ecosystem and the distribution and abundance of those organisms over space and time. Species effects act in concert with the effects of climate, resource availability, and disturbance regimes in influencing ecosystem properties. Human activities can modify all of the above factors; here we focus on modification of these biotic controls. The scientific community has come to a broad consensus on many aspects of the re- lationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, including many points relevant to management of ecosystems. Further progress will require integration of knowledge about biotic and abiotic controls on ecosystem properties, how ecological communities are struc- tured, and the forces driving species extinctions and invasions. To strengthen links to policy and management, we also need to integrate our ecological knowledge with understanding of the social and economic constraints of potential management practices. Understanding this complexity, while taking strong steps to minimize current losses of species, is necessary for responsible management of Earth's ecosystems and the diverse biota they contain.

Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices

Abstract: A doubling in global food demand projected for the next 50 years poses huge challenges for the sustainability both of food production and of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the services they provide to society. Agriculturalists are the principal managers of global useable lands and will shape, perhaps irreversibly, the surface of the Earth in the coming decades. New incentives and policies for ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and ecosystem services will be crucial if we are to meet the demands of improving yields without compromising environmental integrity or public health.

The worldwide leaf economics spectrum

Abstract: Bringing together leaf trait data spanning 2,548 species and 175 sites we describe, for the first time at global scale, a universal spectrum of leaf economics consisting of key chemical, structural and physiological properties. The spectrum runs from quick to slow return on investments of nutrients and dry mass in leaves, and operates largely independently of growth form, plant functional type or biome. Categories along the spectrum would, in general, describe leaf economic variation at the global scale better than plant functional types, because functional types overlap substantially in their leaf traits. Overall, modulation of leaf traits and trait relationships by climate is surprisingly modest, although some striking and significant patterns can be seen. Reliable quantification of the leaf economics spectrum and its interaction with climate will prove valuable for modelling nutrient fluxes and vegetation boundaries under changing land-use and climate.

Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Photosynthesis

Abstract: We discuss the physical and enzymatic bases of carbone isotope discrimination during photosynthesis, noting how knowledge of discrimination can be used to provide additional insight into photosynthetic metabolism and the environmental influences on that process