Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Pages: 26-39

Journal: Functional Plant Biology

Volume number: 43

Issue number: 1

ISSN: 1445-4408

eISSN: 1445-4416

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1071/FP15232

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing

Abstract: 
The rising concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere ([CO2]) has a direct effect on terrestrial vegetation through shifts in the rates of photosynthetic carbon uptake and transpirational water-loss. Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments aim to predict the likely responses of plants to increased [CO2] under normal climatic conditions. The Giessen FACE system operates a lower [CO2] enrichment regime (480 mmol mol(-1)) than standard FACE (550-600 mmol mol(-1)), permitting the analysis of a mixed species temperate meadow under a [CO2] level equivalent to that predicted in 25-30 years. We analysed the physiological and morphological responses of six species to investigate the effect of moderate [CO2] on spring biomass production. Carbon dioxide enrichment stimulated leaf photosynthetic rates and supressed respiration, contributing to enhanced net assimilation and a 23% increase in biomass. The capacity for photosynthetic assimilation was unaffected by [CO2] enrichment, with no downregulation of rates of carboxylation of Rubisco or regeneration of ribulose1,5-bisphosphate. Foliar N content was also not influenced by increased [CO2]. Enhanced [CO2] reduced stomatal size, but stomatal density and leaf area index remained constant, suggesting that the effect on gas exchange was minimal.

Harvard Citation style: Haworth, M., Moser, G., Raschi, A., Kammann, C., Grünhage, L. and Müller, C. (2016) Carbon dioxide fertilisation and supressed respiration induce enhanced spring biomass production in a mixed species temperate meadow exposed to moderate carbon dioxide enrichment, Functional Plant Biology, 43(1), pp. 26-39. https://doi.org/10.1071/FP15232

APA Citation style: Haworth, M., Moser, G., Raschi, A., Kammann, C., Grünhage, L., & Müller, C. (2016). Carbon dioxide fertilisation and supressed respiration induce enhanced spring biomass production in a mixed species temperate meadow exposed to moderate carbon dioxide enrichment. Functional Plant Biology. 43(1), 26-39. https://doi.org/10.1071/FP15232