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Enhanced ozone strongly reduces carbon sink strength of adult beech (Fagus sylvatica) - Resume from the free-air fumigation study at Kranzberg Forest

  • R. Matyssek
  • , G. Wieser
  • , R. Ceulemans
  • , H. Rennenberg
  • , H. Pretzsch
  • , K. Haberer
  • , M. Löw
  • , A. J. Nunn
  • , H. Werner
  • , P. Wipfler
  • , W. Oßwald
  • , P. Nikolova
  • , D. E. Hanke
  • , H. Kraigher
  • , M. Tausz
  • , G. Bahnweg
  • , M. Kitao
  • , J. Dieler
  • , H. Sandermann
  • , K. Herbinger
  • T. Grebenc, M. Blumenröther, G. Deckmyn, T. E.E. Grams, C. Heerdt, M. Leuchner, P. Fabian, K. H. Häberle
  • Federal Office and Research Centre for Forests
  • University of Antwerp
  • University of Freiburg
  • Technical University of Munich
  • Ecoclimatology (formerly: Bioclimatology and Air Pollution Research)
  • University of Cambridge
  • Slovenian Forestry Institute
  • School of Ecosystem and Forest Science
  • Helmholtz Zentrum München German Research Center for Environmental Health
  • Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute
  • University of Graz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

137 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ground-level ozone (O 3 ) has gained awareness as an agent of climate change. In this respect, key results are comprehended from a unique 8-year free-air O 3 -fumigation experiment, conducted on adult beech (Fagus sylvatica) at Kranzberg Forest (Germany). A novel canopy O 3 exposure methodology was employed that allowed whole-tree assessment in situ under twice-ambient O 3 levels. Elevated O 3 significantly weakened the C sink strength of the tree-soil system as evidenced by lowered photosynthesis and 44% reduction in whole-stem growth, but increased soil respiration. Associated effects in leaves and roots at the gene, cell and organ level varied from year to year, with drought being a crucial determinant of O 3 responsiveness. Regarding adult individuals of a late-successional tree species, empirical proof is provided first time in relation to recent modelling predictions that enhanced ground-level O 3 can substantially mitigate the C sequestration of forests in view of climate change.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2527-2532
Number of pages6
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume158
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2010

Keywords

  • Fagus sylvatica
  • Flux
  • Ozone
  • Soil respiration
  • Stem production

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