Carbon Flux and Growth in Mature Deciduous Forest Trees Exposed to Elevated CO 2

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1113977
• Publication Date: 2005-08-25T21:23:22Z
• Authors: Christian Körner; Roman Asshoff; Olivier Bignucolo; Stephan Hättensc...; Sonja G. Keel; Susanna Peláez-R...; Steeve Pepin; Rolf T. W. Siegwolf; Gerhard Zotz
• Keywords: Carbon fibers; Plant litter; Litter; Temperate forest

Whether rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations will cause forests to grow faster and store more is an open question. Using free air CO release in combination with a canopy crane, we found immediate sustained enhancement of flux through 35-meter-tall temperate forest trees when exposed elevated . However, there was no overall stimulation stem growth leaf litter production after 4 years. Photosynthetic capacity not reduced, chemistry changes were minor, tree species differed their responses. Although growing vigorously, these did accrete biomass stems response , thus challenging projections responses derived from tests smaller trees.