Apr
10
2009
cdc25
Program or topic
Biophysical modeling of plant-environment interaction (Riha Research Group)
Department(s) or unit(s)
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
Contact information
Susan Riha
Director, NYS Water Resources Institute
Charles L. Pack Research Professor of Forest Soils
Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
(607)255-1729
sjr4@cornell.edu
Program goals
To better understand the dynamic interactions of plants with their physical environment. This broad subject includes such topics as the effects of deforestation on the Amazon hydrological cycle, climate change and water competition in competitive zones of agriculture, the effects of climate change on agricultural practices such as herbicide use, and carbon dioxide out gassing in the Amazon.
Brief description
With current climate predictions calling for an increased frequency of drought and flooding events due to changes in the annual distribution of rainfall, water resource managers and researchers are faced with an ever increasing array of challenges. Dr. Riha and her research group are addressing these issues of change in New York State and throughout the world with cutting-edge research that uses biophysical models to analyze experimental data and address applied ecological problems. This research has greatly contributed to our understanding of the effect of flooding on plant-water relations, the impact of soil drying on plant growth and water use, and the importance of different surfaces to vapor transport under various crop, forestry, and agroforestry systems.
For more information
Websites:
Key Publications:
- Johnson, M.S., M. Weiler, E.G. Couto, S. Riha and J. Lehmann. 2007. Storm pulses of dissolved CO2 in a forested headwater Amazonian stream explored using hydrograph separation. Water Resources Research. (In press).
- Feldpausch, T.R., C. Prates-Clark, E.C.M. Fernandes and S.J. Riha. 2007. Secondary forest growth deviation from chronosequence predictions in central Amazonia. Global Change Biology. 13, 967-979.
Apr
08
2009
cdc25
Program or topic
Climate change impacts on agricultural and natural ecosystems
Department(s) or unit(s)
- Department of Horticulture
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Contact information
David Wolfe
Professor, Horticulture
(607)255-7888
dww5@cornell.edu
Program goals
To examine plant responses to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate change, and the impact this may have on natural and managed ecosystems, and regional and global food supplies.
Brief description
For the last 20 years, David Wolfe and other Cornell researchers have been gathering evidence of climate change, its impact on plants and ecosystems, and developing adaptation strategies. The Cornell group has been directly involved in both regional and national assessment efforts, and Wolfe’s research documenting earlier spring flowering in the northeast was cited in the most recent (2007) United Nations intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) report. Other aspects of Wolfe’s research include: the effects of reduced snow cover in the northeast on winter soil temperatures affecting nitrogen cycling and retention; effects of rising carbon dioxide and heat stress on growth of weeds and crops; projected shifts in insect pest ranges in response to climate change; and soil management to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Collectively, this interdisciplinary work provides information for land managers and policy-makers on how climate change affects agricultural and natural ecosystems, and identifies management practices to adapt to a changing climate and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information
Websites:
Key publications:
- Creating a Role for Agriculture and Forestry in Emerging Carbon Markets, white paper (PDF)
- The Role of Agriculture and Forestry in Emerging Carbon Markets, presentation (PDF)
- Wolfe, DW, L Ziska, C Petzoldt, A Seaman, L Chase, K Hayhoe. 2008. Projected change in climate thresholds in the Northeastern U.S.: Implications for crops, pests, livestock, and farmers. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change. 13: 555-575.
- Hayhoe, K, C Wake, T Huntington, L Luo, M Schwartz, J Sheffield, E Wood, B Anderson, J Bradbury, A Degaetano, T Troy, D Wolfe. 2007. Past and future changes in climate and hydrological indicators in the U.S. Northeast. Climate Dynamics 28(4): 381-407.
- Hatfield, JL, KJ Boote, BA Kimball, DW Wolfe, DR Ort, RC Izaurralde, AM Thomson, JA Morgan, HW Polley, PA Fay, TL Mader, GL Hahn. 2008. Agriculture. IN: The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity. A Report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. Washington D.C. Chapter 2.
- Bento A., D Wolfe. 2009. Creating a role for agriculture and forestry in emerging carbon markets. Cornell Policy Brief (presented to House and Senate in November, 2009). 6. pp..