Global Vcmax Project

We’re in the process of compiling a database of photosynthetic CO2 response curves measured in combination with leaf reflectance to enable us to produce a global model that will link leaf reflectance to maximum carboxylation capacity (Vc,max), maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) and leaf nitrogen content per unit leaf area (Na) following (Serbin et al. 2012). Our goal with this project is to cover as much of the global trait-space as possible and produce models that can be applied globally with confidence. We invite you to contribute your data to this effort, and in return share authorship of the paper that we anticipate will present global models that can be used to predict Vc,max, Jmax and Na from leaf reflectance data, thereby enabling rapid collection of these plant traits using spectrometers and paving the way for the use of imaging spectroscopy to provide high resolution spatial and temporal maps of these key physiological traits. In addition to sharing your data we hope you will also be able to contribute intellectually to the manuscript.