Ecophysiological assessment and productivity modeling of Acer negundo and Larix sibirica in the urban environment of Moscow

Accurate assessment of the role of urban vegetation in the carbon cycle is limited by the inapplicability of standard forest models (e.g., 3-PG) to the conditions of a megacity. The primary source of error stems from the uncertainty in the relationship between gross primary production (GPP) and net primary production (NPP) under anthropogenic stress. This study aims to verify Waring’s hypothesis regarding the constancy of the NPP/GPP ratio (approximately 0.47±0.04) in urban environments. Confirming the stability of this ratio could simplify carbon balance modeling without requiring complex direct measurements. The study was conducted in Moscow, utilizing species with contrasting strategies: the resilient native Siberian larch, Larix sibirica, and the aggressive invasive box elder, Acer negundo. A comparative analysis of their productivity will facilitate the calibration of regional models and assess the contribution of invasive species to urban ecosystem services.

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