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High carbon storage in carbon-limited trees
Raphael Weber1, Arthur Gessler2,3, Günter Hoch1
1Department of Environmental Sciences - Botany, University of Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 6, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
The New Phytologist
|November 20, 2018
Summary
Plant carbon limitation can lead to high nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations, challenging their use as a sole indicator of carbon supply. Prolonged shading maintained NSC storage, but severe defoliation proved lethal under deep shade.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Forest Ecology
- Carbon Cycling
Background:
- Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) indicate plant carbon (C) supply, but high NSC levels may occur during C limitation.
- Experimental data on NSC dynamics under long-term C limitation are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate NSC dynamics under prolonged carbon limitation in temperate trees.
- To assess the impact of shade and defoliation on NSC concentrations and growth.
Main Methods:
- Saplings of 10 temperate tree species were subjected to reduced sunlight (6% ambient) for 3 years to induce C limitation.
- One species, Carpinus betulus, underwent artificial defoliation in the third year.
- Growth and NSC concentrations were monitored throughout the experiment.
Main Results:
- Shade significantly reduced growth, but NSC concentrations in shaded saplings recovered to unshaded levels by year three.
- NSC concentrations were lower under shade after leaf flush and herbivory.
- Artificial defoliation under shade led to mortality and depleted NSC in survivors.
Conclusions:
- Carbon storage is maintained under prolonged shading, meaning high NSC concentrations can occur during C limitation.
- Decreased NSC concentrations can indicate C limitation, and severe leaf loss can cause lethal C shortage in shaded trees.
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