Phenology in Productivity Studies

Abstract

1 History of this Volume This volume's authors make a case for phenology-not so much for phenology as it is commonly understood (a field technique of agricultural meteorology), but as an aspect of analysis and management of ecological systems or ecosystems. We have indicated its importance earlier (e.g., Lieth, 1970, 1971; Lieth and Radford, 1971) but our experience is mostly confined to plant-environment relations. Ecosystems require more comprehensive study. To obtain necessary phenological information for modeling of ecosystems, the United States contribution to the International Biological Program (USjIBP) established an IBP Phenology Committee. Various phenological projects carried out in connection with USjIBP work have been tabulated in their report (USjIBP Phenology Committee, 1972). Clearly, that compilation covers only a small section of the phenological research going on, even in North America, and is certainly not representative of all the pertinent work done by ornithologists, entomologists, agronomists, foresters, and wildlife managers. The USjIBP Phenology Committee noted the need for study of problems of phenology and seasonality, worldwide in scope, oriented toward ecosystem analysis, suited to stimulate future national and international cooperation, and inclusive of as many pertinent disciplines as possible. Toward these ends we planned a working symposium that was held at the 25th Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 1972. As nearly as possible we hoped to achieve the following results: 1. To summarize the current research results. 2. To bring together competent people from different disciplines to discuss and present complementary viewpoints.