Importance of short-term dynamics in carbon isotope ratios of ecosystem respiration (δ13CR) in a Mediterranean oak woodland and linkage to environmental factors
Werner C, Unger S, Pereira JS, Maia R, David TS, Kurz-Besson C, David DS, Máguas C
New Phytologist, Volume172, Issue2 October 2006 Pages 330-346, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01836.x
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Abstract
- Temporal dynamics in carbon isotope ratios of ecosystem respiration (δ13CR) were evaluated on hourly, daily and annual timescales in a Mediterranean woodland. Emphasis was given to the periods of transition from wet to dry season and vice versa, when the system turns from a net carbon sink to a source. The constancy of nocturnal δ13CR was tested.
- The relationship between δ13CR (determined through Keeling plots) and environmental factors was evaluated through time-lag analysis.
- δ13CR exhibited high annual variation (> 7‰). During the transition periods, δ13CR correlated significantly with factors influencing photosynthetic discrimination, soil respiration, and whole-canopy conductance. Time-lags differed between belowand above-ground variables, and between seasons. A shift in regression parameters with environmental factors indicated seasonal differences in ecosystem responsiveness (e.g. temperature acclimation). δ13CR exhibited substantial nocturnal enrichment (> 4‰) from dusk to dawn.
- These data indicate pronounced short-term dynamics in δ13CR at hourly to daily timescales and a modulated response to environmental drivers. Substantial shortterm changes in nocturnal δ13CR may have important implications for the sampling protocols of nocturnal Keeling plots.