© 1996 Heron Publishing—Victoria, Canada
Tree physiology research in a changing world
Merrill R. Kaufmann (1) and Sune Linder (2)
1. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, USDA Forest Service, 240 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA / 2. Department of Ecology and Environmental Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden / Received June 30, 1995
Summary
Changes in issues and advances in methodology have contributed to substantial progress in tree physiology research during
the last several decades. Current research focuses on process interactions in complex systems and the integration of processes
across multiple spatial and temporal scales. An increasingly important challenge for future research is assuring sustainability
of production systems and forested ecosystems in the face of increased demands for natural resources and human disturbance
of forests. Meeting this challenge requires significant shifts in research approach, including the study of limitations of
productivity that may accompany achievement of system sustainability, and a focus on the biological capabilities of complex
land bases altered by human activity.
Keywords:
canopy process, ecosystems, natural resources, population increase, research trends, sustainability.
