Abstract
Ground-level ozone (O3) has gained awareness as an agent of climate change. In this respect, key results are comprehended from a unique 8-year free-air O3 fumigation experiment, conducted on adult beech (Fagus sylvatica) at Kranzberg Forest, Germany. A novel canopy O3 exposure methodology was employed that allowed whole-tree assessment in situ under twice-ambient O3 levels. Elevated O3 significantly weakened the C sink strength of the tree-soil system as evidenced by lowered photosynthesis and 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 O3 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 O3 can substantially mitigate the C sequestration of forests in view of climate change.
| Translated title of the contribution | Enhanced ozone strongly reduces the carbon sink strength of adult beech - Resume from the free-air fumigation study at Kranzberg Forest |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 103-107 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Gefahrstoffe Reinhaltung der Luft |
| Volume | 71 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - Mar 2011 |
