Framework for mathematical modeling of Soil-Tree system

Abstract

A systemic framework for mathematical modeling of Soil-Tree system is proposed through this work. The model couples the vadose zone moisture uptake by trees with the cumulative multi-layered canopy water demand. The water demand is estimated by integrating the photosynthesis models and stomatal conductance with the leaf energy balance. The philosophy of the modeling framework is to portray the tree as a living entity which continuously interacts with the dynamic micro-climatic variables only to economize the biomass production at the cost of transpiration. The model can quantify the changes in transpiration patterns due to various climate change scenarios and comes in handy to perform ‘what-if?’ kind of theoretical experiments on trees.