Rising atmospheric CO2 reduces sequestration of root-derived soil carbon.
Forests have a key role as carbon sinks, which could potentially mitigate the continuing increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and associated climate change. We show that carbon dioxide enrichment, although causing short-term growth stimulation in a range of European tree species, also leads to an increase in soil microbial respiration and a marked decline in sequestration of root-derived carbon in the soil. These findings indicate that, should similar processes operate in forest ecosystems, the size of the annual terrestrial carbon sink may be substantially reduced, resulting in a positive feedback on the rate of increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.
Heath
James
J
Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK. j.heath@lancaster.ac.uk
Ayres
Edward
E
Possell
Malcolm
M
Bardgett
Richard D
RD
Black
Helaina I J
HI
Grant
Helen
H
Ineson
Phil
P
Kerstiens
Gerhard
G
D001272:Atmosphere; D029401:Betulaceae / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018533:Biomass; D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D029962:Fagaceae / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D010788:Photosynthesis; D028201:Pinaceae / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D014197:Trees / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
D012987:Soil; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002244:Carbon; D009584:Nitrogen