Optimality approaches to crop yield modelling

In our latest REALM meeting, we explored crop monitoring, climate suitability for wheat cultivation and optimality-based modelling of wheat yields. TanShen from Tsinghua University delves into crop monitoring using the P-model and remote sensing techniques. Imperial’s, Wensu Hao assesses climate suitability for wheat growth in his master’s project. Shengchao Qiao from LPICEA introduces the PC …

Optimality-based leaf trait mapping

Dr Ning Dong from the REALM and LEMONTREE teams led a recent paper published in Global Ecology and Biogeography introducing a novel method to produce leaf-trait maps (Figure 1) based on eco-evolutionary optimality theory. Global leaf-trait mapping based on optimality theory Figure 1 Global patterns and latitudinal distribution of modelled specific leaf area (SLA, m2 …

From wheat production to climate reconstruction: REALM’s master’s students share their research

In March, during our REALM team meeting, we had the privilege of hearing from three of our new master’s students about their research projects. This is a great opportunity for our team to learn more about upcoming research projects and for the master’s students to receive early feedback and advice from our post-docs and PhD …

Using optimality theory to predict wheat sowing dates

Currently, crop models rely heavily on sowing dates as a critical input. However, as climate change continues the optimal sowing times will also be affected which will impact agricultural practices. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the selection of wheat type and sowing dates is necessary to ensure reliable predictions of …

Global Ecohydrology

 In our November REALM meeting, we covered recent research under the theme of global ecohydrology. We were delighted to have two guest speakers, Dr Thanos Paschalis from the department of civil and environmental engineering, ICL and Dr Manon Sabot, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of New South Wales, currently at the University of Bristol …

EEO explains the simultaneous greening and browning in the Tibetan Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau ©Ziqi Zhu.  The Tibetan Plateau, also known as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, or ‘the roof of the world,’ is a vast plateau that lies between the Himalayan range to the south and the Taklamakan Desert to the north. It extends for 1,600 miles from east to west and 620 miles north to south, …