To conserve biodiversity, it is critical to assess how vegetation will respond to global climate shifts and expected increases in land use conversion rates. Plant ecophysiology encompasses a wide range of sub-disciplines, between which data varies widely in scale and technology used. In the past three decades, with improved, lower-cost options for measurements, and easier access to remote site locations, plant ecophysiology has substantially grown. Specifically, it has been more widely recognized as it is directly implemented into land surface and vegetation distribution models. Here I present a synthesis of insights and challenges into this branch of ecology and suggest steps to be taken for further research improvement. Areas within plant ecophysiology that should gain special attention are: 1) efficiency in data collection and management, 2) logistical obstacles, and 3) personnel training and interactions.
Results/Conclusions
Historically, plant ecophysiology has been largely challenged by up- and downscaling plant processes, and accounting for high plant biodiversity. In regards to efficiency of data collection and management (1), this stage has been significantly improved through novel technologies, such as remote sensing (LIDAR, hyperspectral, fluorescence, higher-resolution satellite images), machine-learning algorithms, and automated machinery to facilitate data collection (e.g., drones, wireless sensors). Technology improvement also aides on solving logistical obstacles (2), in which field scouting, species identification, and data can be collected remotely through, for example, satellite imagery. Additionally, the hardiness of latest equipment, easier access to power and internet yields less maintenance, installation, and data collection visits to the field site or greenhouse setup. Such facilitation to acquire ecophysiological data has enabled a more accurate and quicker progress in the development of models that predict global and regional climate change, and species distributions. Consequently, new generation ecophysiologists have been further trained (3) to develop these technologies, in addition to becoming more involved with computational modeling (i.e., ecosystem-level predictions, electronics, georeferencing, statistics, etc.). However, these advances do not fully address smaller scale measurements (e.g., leaves, roots), which still require more traditional approaches. These approaches may include intensive field sampling, organizing larger field/lab crews, use of cheaper/disposable equipment, and training personnel on more classic data collection and processing techniques. Overall, the field of ecophysiology has grown to facilitate access and collection of data, making it feasible to work in various biomes and locations; but further improvements in sampling of less distinguishable plant features and processes through remote sensing, and better training of field/lab researchers are still needed.