Theory 52/Tropical Rainforest/Phenology
Leaf Flush Follows Irradiance
The claim
Tropical forest leaf flush is gated by the ratio of irradiance to soil moisture, so flush occurs at the dry-season peak of light if moisture permits.
01Mechanism
Flush requires both carbon and water; the ratio determines whether the high-light period can be exploited.
02Prediction
Flush timing should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Flush timing tracking rainfall would remove light.