Integration of remote sensing and ecosystem modelling techniques to estimate forest net carbon uptake

Estimates of forest gross primary production (GPP) can be obtained by the use of a parametric model (C-Fix) which combines ground and remotely sensed data. A methodology is presented to convert these GPP estimates into values of net ecosystem exchange (NEE). The methodology is based on the use of a process model, BIOME-BGC, which, after proper calibration, simulates all main functions of forest ecosystems at climax condition. The estimated photosynthesis and respirations are transformed into net carbon fluxes of actual forests by using a simplified approach which relies on the difference between actual and potential stand biomass. The methodology was applied to eight forest sites in Italy where flux measurements were available and GPP estimates had been previously produced. The comparison of the obtained NEE estimates to the ground data indicates the potential of the approach and the prospects for future investigation.