Modelling the net photosynthetic rate of Quercus mongolica stands affected by ambient ozone

A mathematical model predicting the ambient O3 effect on the photosynthetic rate of Quercus mongolica stands was developed for the temperate deciduous forests in both the urban and the reference area in Korea. The diurnal pattern of hourly average O3 concentration monitored at the study site was simulated using the Gaussian equation. The short-term effects of O3 on net photosynthetic rate were estimated using a relationship between ambient O3 concentration and percentage reduction of net photosynthesis. Annual net production estimated by the model with the ambient O3 concentration was 9.2% less than that of the model result without the ambient O3 in the urban area, while the reduction rate was as small as 4.3% in the reference area. If O3 concentrations were diminished or enhanced by 50% of the actual ambient condition, net annual photosynthetic rate will increase up to 8% or decrease down to 5%.