Environmental Factors Affecting Monoterpene Emissions from Terrestrial Vegetation

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Plant Physiology
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Monoterpenes are volatile organic compounds with significant roles in atmospheric processes, plant physiology, and ecological interactions.
• Understanding monoterpene emissions is vital for atmospheric modeling and ecological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and review existing data on monoterpene emission fluxes from terrestrial plant species.
• To highlight the influence of abiotic environmental factors on biogenic monoterpene emissions.
• To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and data compilation of monoterpene emission flux studies.
• Analysis of reported data concerning environmental variables and seasonal variations.
• Synthesis of findings to identify trends and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• Monoterpene emissions are significantly influenced by environmental factors, notably ambient air temperature and light intensity.
• Higher emission rates are typically observed during warmer seasons, such as summer in temperate regions.
• Factors like CO2, O3, soil moisture, and nutrient availability also affect emission rates, though data is less comprehensive.

Conclusions:

• Environmental factors, particularly temperature and light, are key drivers of monoterpene emissions.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of CO2, O3, soil moisture, and nutrient availability on monoterpene emission rates.
• Addressing these knowledge gaps will improve atmospheric and ecological models.