Carbon Dioxide Evolution from the Floor of an Oak-Hickory Forest

Garrett, H. E.; Cox, G. S.

Carbon Dioxide Evolution from the Floor of an Oak-Hickory Forest

1973

Garrett, H. E. | Cox, G. S.

Carbon dioxide evolution from the floor of an oak-hickory (Quercus sp.) (Carya sp.) forest was studied. The influence of soil temperature, soil moisture, and position on a west-facing slope was evaluated on a seasonal basis. Highest evolution rates were observed during the summer and declined in the order of fall, spring, and winter. Maximum summer rates were 1.20 g/m² per hour while maximum winter rates were 0.18 g/m² per hour. Temperature was found to have its greatest limiting effect during the winter and spring while moisture was most limiting during the fall. Release of CO₂ at the lower slope position was 20% greater on a mean annual basis than at the middle and upper slope positions. Most of the CO₂ evolved from the forest floor is considered to be contributed by root respiration and associated microorganisms.

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