Enhanced ozone strongly reduces carbon sink strength of adult beech (Fagus sylvatica)--resume from the free-air fumigation study at Kranzberg Forest.
Ground-level ozone (O(3)) has gained awareness as an agent of climate change. In this respect, key results are comprehended from a unique 8-year free-air O(3)-fumigation experiment, conducted on adult beech (Fagus sylvatica) at Kranzberg Forest (Germany). A novel canopy O(3) exposure methodology was employed that allowed whole-tree assessment in situ under twice-ambient O(3) levels. Elevated O(3) significantly weakened the C sink strength of the tree-soil system as evidenced by lowered photosynthesis and 44% reduction in whole-stem growth, but increased soil respiration. Associated effects in leaves and roots at the gene, cell and organ level varied from year to year, with drought being a crucial determinant of O(3) responsiveness. Regarding adult individuals of a late-successional tree species, empirical proof is provided first time in relation to recent modelling predictions that enhanced ground-level O(3) can substantially mitigate the C sequestration of forests in view of climate change.
Matyssek
R
R
Ecophysiology of Plants, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, D-85354 Freising, Germany. matyssek@wzw.tum.de
Wieser
G
G
Ceulemans
R
R
Rennenberg
H
H
Pretzsch
H
H
Haberer
K
K
Löw
M
M
Nunn
A J
AJ
Werner
H
H
Wipfler
P
P
Osswald
W
W
Nikolova
P
P
Hanke
D E
DE
Kraigher
H
H
Tausz
M
M
Bahnweg
G
G
Kitao
M
M
Dieler
J
J
Sandermann
H
H
Herbinger
K
K
Grebenc
T
T
Blumenröther
M
M
Deckmyn
G
G
Grams
T E E
TE
Heerdt
C
C
Leuchner
M
M
Fabian
P
P
Häberle
K-H
KH
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D002244:Carbon / Q000378:metabolism*; D029964:Fagus / Q000378:metabolism*; D005858:Germany; D010126:Ozone / Q000633:toxicity*; D010788:Photosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects; D014197:Trees / Q000378:metabolism*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D010126:Ozone; D002244:Carbon