Fix #290: Add documentation for SMD method and FcPhoto issues #560
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Summary
This PR adds comprehensive documentation to help users understand and troubleshoot near-zero FcPhoto (photosynthesis flux) values that can occur in summer when using SMD method 0.
Background
Issue #290 reported that FcPhoto values were unexpectedly close to 0 during summer months (May-September) when they should be at their highest. The user discovered that switching from SMD method 0 to method 1 (with observed soil moisture data) resolved the issue.
Changes Made
1. Enhanced Troubleshooting Guide
Added a new section "FcPhoto (Photosynthesis Flux) Near Zero in Summer" in
docs/source/troubleshooting.rstthat includes:2. Improved SMD Method Documentation
Updated
docs/source/inputs/tables/RunControl/csv-table/SMDMethod.csvto:Technical Details
The issue occurs because SMD method 0 uses an internal soil water balance model. When soil moisture becomes too low (due to poor initialisation or high evapotranspiration), the soil moisture stress factor (g_smd) approaches 0, which causes FcPhoto to approach 0 through the equation:
Testing
Documentation changes only - no code modifications. The enhanced documentation provides:
Checklist
Fixes #290