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Effects of elevated CO2 on fen peat biogeochemistry
H Kang1, C Freeman, T W Ashendon
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, UK. hojeongkang@facstaff.wisc.edu
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 20, 2001
Summary
Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) increases northern peatland plant biomass and stimulates CO2 and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) supply to microbes is enhanced, impacting peatland biogeochemistry.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biogeochemistry
- Ecology
Background:
- Northern peatlands are crucial carbon sinks.
- Atmospheric CO2 levels are rising globally.
- Understanding peatland responses to elevated CO2 is vital for climate change mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short-term effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on northern peatland biogeochemistry.
- To quantify changes in biomass, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil organic matter.
Main Methods:
- Intact soil cores from a calcareous fen were incubated under ambient (350 ppm) and elevated (700 ppm) CO2 concentrations for 4 months.
- Measurements included biomass, CO2, N2O, and CH4 emissions, pore-water dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil enzyme activities.
Main Results:
- Elevated CO2 significantly increased total biomass (root, shoot, algal mat).
- Emissions of CO2 and N2O, and pore-water DOC concentrations were significantly higher under elevated CO2.
- No significant differences in CH4 emissions or soil enzyme activities were observed.
Conclusions:
- Elevated CO2 enhances primary productivity in fen vegetation.
- Increased vegetation productivity leads to greater DOC supply to soil microbes.
- This stimulates N2O and CO2 emissions, altering peatland biogeochemistry.