Ten practical guidelines

Posted on December 17, 2024 by lembrechtsjonas

One of the biggest dreams when we started the SoilTemp project was not only to bring together all available microclimate data into a single, unified database but also to align how we think about and measure microclimate. Today, we are excited to share a major step toward achieving that goal: our new paper, “Ten practical guidelines for microclimate research in terrestrial ecosystems“, is now published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution.

This paper provides exactly what every graduate student and researcher in ecology and biogeography has been waiting for: a comprehensive guide on everything you need to consider when integrating microclimate monitoring into your research. From defining why you need microclimate data, to determining what and where to measure, and deciding on how and when to collect your data, this paper has it all. It doesn’t stop there either: it also walks you through compiling, analyzing, and publishing your microclimate data in ways that maximize impact and accessibility.

The why, what, how, when and where of microclimate monitoring, as well as site-specific characteristics to think about. A series of questions everyone has to go through when designing the microclimate component of their study, and the paper walks you through each and every one of them.

It’s quite the giant of a paper as well, trying to go sufficiently in depth with all these aspects of the question to have practical relevance, and to really put you on the road to a successful microclimate project.

Microclimate research is of course not done once the data comes in. Part two of the paper guides you through your selection of reference data, how to compile your microclimate time series, the basics of microclimate data analysis and the publication of your data open access and, of course, into the SoilTemp database!

Where to measure?

One of my favorite parts of the paper – to name just one – focuses on where to measure microclimate. This section emphasizes the importance of matching spatial resolution and extent to the scale at which your study organisms experience their environment. It highlights the nested, hierarchical nature of microclimates: locally measured conditions (temperature, moisture, wind) are shaped by a combination of local, regional, and global climatic signals.

The nested nature of microclimates. Locally measured microclimate (e.g. temperature, moisture, wind) always represents a combination of local, regional and global climate signals. At each scale from macro to micro, climatic gradients can be unfolded, just like replicated geometric shapes in a fractal.

That chapter explores the concept of proximal microclimate, which refers to how closely microclimate measurements represent the actual conditions experienced by organisms. Proximal microclimate goes beyond simply placing sensors: it considers both the spatial and temporal alignment of measurements with biological processes. By addressing this, researchers can better connect microclimate data to ecological responses.

Additionally, we introduce practical approaches like stratified random sampling to select logger locations. This technique helps ensure that you capture as much environmental variation as possible, maximizing the value and representativeness of your dataset.

No ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution—and that’s okay!

Importantly, the paper doesn’t promise a single ‘golden rule’ to every microclimate monitoring challenge. There’s no universal sensor, setup, or methodology that works for all studies—and that’s because each research question is unique. What the paper does offer is a clear framework to help you identify the best strategy for your specific case, taking into account the unique characteristics of your study system.

Building on the latest advances in microclimate research

In addition to its practical advice, the paper builds on the latest advances in microclimate science, making it an invaluable resource for both beginners and experts. It not only provides you with step-by-step guidance but also connects you to a carefully curated list of must-read references in the field.

As you can expect, we are incredibly excited about this paper finally seeing the light of day, and hope it will inspire and support researchers around the world in designing successful microclimate studies.

Read the full paper here

Key takeaway: Microclimate research is a complex but essential part of understanding terrestrial ecosystems. With these ten practical guidelines, you’ll be better equipped to design, execute, and share impactful microclimate research—and maybe even contribute your data to the SoilTemp database!