Prediction of photosynthetic light‐response curves using traits of the leaf economics spectrum for 75 woody species: effects of leaf habit and sun–shade dichotomy

Premise Photosynthetic light-response (PLR) curves for leaves are important components of models related to carbon fixation in forest ecosystems, linking the Mitscherlich equation and Michaelis–Menten traits leaf economics spectrum (LES). However, do not consider changes habits (i.e., evergreen deciduous) within-canopy shading variation these PLR curves. Methods Here, we measured sun shade 44 31 deciduous species examine relationships between variables equation, nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) content, mass per area (LMA). Results Small were caused by different variations two equations N P content LMA. Values scaling exponents curve parameters did differ regardless canopy position habit (P > 0.05). The with at positions could be predicted using general allometric relations equations. For photosynthetic photon flux densities from 0 2000 μmol m-2 s-1, approximately 71% (Mitscherlich equation) 70% (Michaelis–Menten net assimilation rates predicted. Conclusions These findings indicate that can through large available data LES traits. Incorporation values databases into ecosystem productivity warrants further investigation.