| Description |
The aim of the research reported in this dissertation was to define and quantify the contribution of recent photosynthetic carbon uptake to spatial and temporal patterns respiration of CO2 I conducted a multiyear analysis of soil CO from soils. Carbon dioxide is produced in soils primarily by roots and heterotrophic bacteria and fungi. Roots use carbon from recent photosynthesis or storage for growth, maintenance, and nutrient uptake, and a large fraction of soil microorganisms live in close proximity to roots and consume short-lived tissues and root exudates. Thus, both of these components largely depend on carbon that has been assimilated only hours to months before. Therefore, it was expected that seasonal patterns of uptake and use of carbon associated with particular vegetation types would be primary drivers of spatial and temporal variability in soil respiration. However, it was also expected that these general patterns would be mediated by environmental conditions. |
