title: CASSIA--a dynamic model for predicting intra-annual sink demand and interannual growth variation in Scots pine.
abstract: The control of tree growth vs environment by carbon sources or sinks remains unresolved although it is widely studied. This study investigates growth of tree components and carbon sink-source dynamics at different temporal scales. We constructed a dynamic growth model 'carbon allocation sink source interaction' (CASSIA) that calculates tree-level carbon balance from photosynthesis, respiration, phenology and temperature-driven potential structural growth of tree organs and dynamics of stored nonstructural carbon (NSC) and their modifying influence on growth. With the model, we tested hypotheses that sink demand explains the intra-annual growth dynamics of the meristems, and that the source supply is further needed to explain year-to-year growth variation. The predicted intra-annual dimensional growth of shoots and needles and the number of cells in xylogenesis phases corresponded with measurements, whereas NSC hardly limited the growth, supporting the first hypothesis. Delayed GPP influence on potential growth was necessary for simulating the yearly growth variation, indicating also at least an indirect source limitation. CASSIA combines seasonal growth and carbon balance dynamics with long-term source dynamics affecting growth and thus provides a first step to understanding the complex processes regulating intra- and interannual growth and sink-source dynamics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, PO Box 27, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland.
authors.forename: Pauliina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schiestl-Aalto
authors.forename: Liisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kulmala
authors.forename: Harri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mäkinen
authors.forename: Eero
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nikinmaa
authors.forename: Annikki
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mäkelä
mesh_terms: D002244:Carbon / Q000378:metabolism*; D057965:Carbon Sequestration; D019069:Cell Respiration; D008954:Models, Biological; D010641:Phenotype; D010788:Photosynthesis; D041605:Pinus sylvestris / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D002244:Carbon
keywords: carbon (C) balance; dynamic modelling; growth variation; ontogenetic development; phenology; sink-source dynamics; thermal time; xylogenesis