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Published on: August 3, 2016
CO2 fluxes of cryptogamic crusts: I. Response to resaturation
D L Jeffries1, S O Link2, J M Klopatek3
1Division of Science and Mathematics, University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, Arkansas 72830.
Abstract:
The relationship between carbon dioxide exchange of Microcoleus- and Scytonema-dominated cryptogamic crusts and resaturation time was measured in the laboratory with a modified discrete sampling technique and infrared gas analysis. Maximum net photosynthetic rate of Microcoleus was 187 nmol CO2 m-2 s-1 and of Scytonema was 111 nmol CO2 m-2 s-1 for rehydration to 100% soil saturation. Both crust types demonstrated a slow rise in resaturation respiration and took 2 days to become fully active after the (first rehydration to 100% soil saturation after long-term dryness, and only one day to become active after the second rehydration cycle.
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