Phenology, Resource Management, and Synagraphic Computer Mapping

Several years ago Bliss (1967) published a short notice in this journal encouraging American biologists and especially ecologists to help in establishing a phenology program as part of the International Biological Program (IBP). Since then attempts have been made to expand the various existing regional programs in the Western, North Central, and Northeastern states (Caprio, 1966; Caprio and Metcalf, 1970; Hopp et al., 1969). Others have started new programs in the Southeast (Taylor 1969; Lieth et al., 1970), in Canada (Beschel, 1969) and in Central America (Franky, 1970 personal communication and Fournier, 1969a, b). The individual biomes of the U.S. IBP have incorporated phenological concepts and modeling in their programs. Sooner or later it will be necessary to connect results from the individual biomes and other regional projects not only as comparison of ecosystem phases and productivity but also for geographic modeling of these phenomena. We foresee a similar importance for the geographical application of the IBPgenerated computer models, as is now the case with weather and soil service