A dynamic local-scale vegetation model for lycopsids (LYCOm v1.0)

Abstract. Lycopsids represent a distinct lineage of vascular plants with long evolutionary history including numerous extant and extinct species that started out as tiny herbaceous later went on to grow into forests tree-like structures. They enriched the soil carbon pool through newly developed root-like structures promoted microbial activity by providing organic matter. These enhanced dioxide (CO2) via root respiration also modified hydrology. effects potentially dissolution silicate minerals, thus intensifying weathering. The weathering rocks is considered one most significant geochemical regulators atmospheric CO2 over (hundreds thousands millions years) timescale. motivation for this study achieve an increased understanding realized impacts plants, represented modern relatives basal tissues shallow systems, past climate. To end, it necessary quantify physiological characteristics, spatial distribution, balance, hydrological early lycopsids. properties, however, cannot be easily derived from proxies such fossil records. Hence, first step, process-based model estimate net uptake these organisms at local scale. includes key features distribution biomass above below ground, along plausible in affecting water plants. stomatal regulation loss its immediate implications photosynthesis are considered. Moreover, plays crucial role rates. ranges traits lycopsids predict emerging characteristics Lycopsida class community under any given climate implicitly simulating process selection. In way, plant communities can represented. addition simulates rates using simple limit-based approach estimates biotic enhancement We run Lycopsid model, called LYCOm, seven sites encompassing various zones today's climatic conditions. LYCOm simulate realistic properties lycopsid respective locations values primary production (NPP) ranging 126 245 g m?2 yr?1. Our predicts mean chemical rate 5.3 45.1 cm ka?1 rock varying between different sites, opposed 0.6–8.3 without thereby highlighting potential importance vegetation scale enhancing modeling establishes basis assessing global geological past. Although our method associated limitations uncertainties, represents novel, complementary towards estimating biogeochemistry