Phenodynamics of Production in a Mesic Deciduous Forest

Abstract

Climatologists and agrometeorologists have predicted phenological events in many ways, e.g., to select optimum seeding dates (Hopkins, 1938) or to plan agricultural practices, particularly in Europe (Molga, 1962; Schnelle, 1955), as well as in crop pest control to maximize production (Hopp et al., 1969; Wallin, 1967; Woods, 1969). In terms of economic investment, quantitative phenology (phenometry) has been applied successfully to predict harvest dates, and to schedule agricultural practices, insuring both quality and an even flow of produce to food processors (Bomalaski, 1948; Brown, 1952; Katz, 1952; Newman et al., 1967; Seaton, 1955). In defining the beginning, duration, and end of seasons phenological observations may be better indices of the bioclimatic character of local areas than recordings made by mechanical instruments (Hopkins, 1918, 1938). Specific plants and selected phenological events might be useful as indicators on which to key major land management practices and productivity studies (Caprio, 1966; Lieth and Radford, 1971). The International Biological Program (IBP) has provided an impetus for incorporating phenological considerations into basic ecological studies such as analyses of ecosystems (Bliss, 1967).

Contribution No. 49 from the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome, US/IBP

Research supported in part by the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome, US/IBP, funded by the National Science Foundation under Interagency Agreement Ag-100, 40-193-69 with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Oak Ridge National Laboratory