Körner, Christian. (2004) Through enhanced tree dynamics carbon dioxide enrichment may cause tropical forests to lose carbon. Philosophical transactions. Biological sciences, Vol. 359, H. 1443. pp. 493-498.
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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A5249089
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Abstract
The fixation and storage of C by tropical forests, which contain close to half of the globe`s biomass C, may be affected by elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration. Classical theoretical approaches assume a uniform stimulation of photosynthesis and growth across taxa. Direct assessments of the C balance either by flux studies or by repeated forest inventories also suggest a current net uptake, although magnitudes sometimes exceed those missing required to balance the global C cycle. Reasons for such discrepancies may lie in the nature of forest dynamics and in differential responses of taxa or plant functional types. In this contribution I argue that CO2 enrichment may cause forests to become more dynamic and that faster tree turnover may in fact convert a stimulatory effect of elevated CO2 on photosynthesis and growth into a long-term net biomass C loss by favouring shorter-lived trees of lower wood density. At the least, this is a scenario that deserves inclusion into long-term projections of the C relations of tropical forests. Species and plant functional type specific responses (`biodiversity effects`) and forest dynamics need to be accounted for in projections of future C storage and cycling in tropical forests.
Faculties and Departments: | 05 Faculty of Science > Departement Umweltwissenschaften > Ehemalige Einheiten Umweltwissenschaften > Pflanzenökologie (Körner) |
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UniBasel Contributors: | Körner, Christian |
Item Type: | Article, refereed |
Article Subtype: | Research Article |
Publisher: | Royal Society of London |
ISSN: | 0962-8436 |
Note: | Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article |
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Identification Number: |
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Last Modified: | 22 Mar 2012 14:25 |
Deposited On: | 22 Mar 2012 13:45 |
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