1 results
Long-term effects of enhanced CO2 concentrations on leaf gas exchange: research opportunities using CO2 springs
- Edited by A. Raschi, Institute of Environmental Analysis and Remote Sensing for Agriculture, Florence, F. Miglietta, Institute of Environmental Analysis and Remote Sensing for Agriculture, Florence, R. Tognetti, Institue of Forest Tree Breeding, Florence, P. van Gardingen, University of Edinburgh
-
- Book:
- Plant Responses to Elevated CO2
- Published online:
- 10 February 2010
- Print publication:
- 28 November 1997, pp 69-86
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
SUMMARY
The Bossoleto site in Tuscany, central Italy has been the location of a two year research programme investigating the long-term effects of enhanced CO2 concentrations on natural vegetation. Research has investigated the effects of CO2 on leaf gas exchange on a grass Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel and the tree species Quercus pubescens Willd. Preliminary results for P. australis demonstrate reductions in stomatal density, stomatal conductance, and maximum photosynthetic rates when compared with nearby control sites. In contrast, work with Q. pubescens showed no evidence of photosynthetic acclimation. The responses observed in plants growing at the Bossoleto site are consistent with results from short-term experiments, providing some confidence in this approach. The characteristics of CO2 springs can add to the challenge of designing effective experiments. It is difficult to locate control sites that have similar vegetation, soil type and environmental characteristics. When working with natural vegetation, variability in characteristics within and between populations, can exceed any response to CO2. Atmospheric concentrations can vary at time scales ranging from the order of seconds through to seasons. High CO2 concentrations at some sites may be associated with pollutants that can affect plant growth. These potential problems influence the possible types of experimental approaches. This paper uses preliminary analysis of leaf gas exchange data from the Bossoleto site, to examine how natural sources of CO2 enrichment can be used in biological research.
INTRODUCTION
How can natural sources of CO2 be used in biological research? The likely effects of enhanced atmospheric CO2 concentrations on vegetation have been the subject of intensive research for over a decade.