High tolerance of subalpine grassland to long-term ozone exposure is independent of N input and climatic drivers

Volk, Matthias; Wolff, Veronika; Bassin, Seraina; Ammann, Christof; Fuhrer, Jürg

High tolerance of subalpine grassland to long-term ozone exposure is independent of N input and climatic drivers

2014

Volk, Matthias | Wolff, Veronika | Bassin, Seraina | Ammann, Christof | Fuhrer, Jürg

In a seven-year study, we tested effects of increased N and O3 deposition and climatic conditions on biomass of subalpine grassland. Ozone risk was assessed as exposure (AOT40) and as stomatal flux (POD0,1). We hypothesized that productivity is higher under N- and lower under O3 deposition, with interactions with climatic conditions.Aboveground biomass was best correlated with growing-degree days for May (GDDMay). Nitrogen deposition increased biomass up to 60% in the highest treatment, and 30% in the lowest addition. Also belowground biomass showed a positive N-response. Ozone enrichment had no effect on biomass, and no interaction between O3 and N was observed. Growth response to N deposition was not correlated to GDDMay or precipitation, but indicated a cumulative effect over time.Productivity of subalpine grassland is tolerant to increasing ozone exposure, independent of N input and climatic drivers. N deposition rates at current critical loads, strongly increase the grassland yield.

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