Carbon isotope dynamics in Abies amabilis stands in the Cascades

Carbon isotope ratios (d13C) of canopy air and carbon isotope discrimination at the ecosystem level were studied in three montane Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis (Dougl. ex Loud.) Dougl. ex J. Forbes) stands, an old-growth and two younger stands. Spatial and temporal variations of canopy CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) and their d13C were strongly related to stand structure. Within the old-growth stand, both daytime canopy [CO2] and canopy d13C stayed close to those of the troposphere, either indicating low overall photosynthetic rates or high turbulent mixing.