CO2 absorption of sandy soil induced by rainfall pulses in a desert ecosystem

Soil CO₂ flux is strongly influenced by precipitation in many ecosystem types, yet knowledge of the effects of precipitation on soil CO₂ flux in semi‐arid desert ecosystems remains insufficient, particularly for sandy soils. To address this, we investigated the response of sandy soil CO₂ flux to rainfall pulses in a desert ecosystem in northern China during August–September 2011. Significant changes (P < 0.05) were found in diel patterns of soil CO₂ flux induced by small (2.1 mm), moderate (12.4 mm) and large (19.7 mm) precipitation events. Further analysis indicated that rainfall pulses modified the response of soil CO₂ flux to soil temperature, including hysteresis between soil CO₂ flux and soil temperature, with F_s higher when T_s was increasing than when T_s was decreasing, and the linear relationship between them. Moreover, our results showed that rainfall could result in absorption of atmospheric CO₂ by soil, possibly owing to mass flow of CO₂ induced by a gradient of gas pressure between atmosphere and soil. After each precipitation event, soil CO₂ flux recovered exponentially to pre‐rainfall levels with time, with the recovery times exhibiting a positive correlation with precipitation amount. On the basis of the amounts of precipitation that occurred at our site during the measurement period (August–September), the accumulated rain‐induced carbon absorption evaluated for rainy days was 1.068 g C m^?2; this corresponds approximately to 0.5–2.1% of the net primary production of a typical desert ecosystem. Thus, our results suggest that rainfall pulses can strongly influence carbon fluxes in desert ecosystems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seasonal variation in carbon exchange and its ecological analysis over Leymus chinensis steppe in Inner Mongolia

Eddy covariance technique was used to measure carbon flux during two growing seasons in 2003 and 2004 over typical steppe in the Inner Mongolia Plateau, China. The results showed that there were two different CO₂ flux diurnal patterns at the grassland ecosystem. One had a dual peak in diurnal course of CO₂ fluxes with a depression of CO₂ flux after noon, and the other had a single peak. In 2003, the maximum diurnal uptake and emitting value of CO₂ were −7.4 and 5.4 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹ respectively and both occurred in July. While in 2004, the maximum diurnal uptake and release of CO₂ were −12.8 and 5.8 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹ and occurred both in August. The grassland fixed 294.66 and 467.46 g CO₂·m⁻² in 2003 and 2004, and released 333.14 and 437.17 g CO₂·m⁻² in 2003 and 2004, respectively from May to September. Water availability and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) are two important factors of controlling CO₂ flux. Consecutive precipitation can cause reduction in the ability of ecosystem carbon exchange. Under favorable soil water conditions, daytime CO₂ flux is dependent on PAR. CO₂ flux, under soil water stress conditions, is obviously less than those under favorable soil water conditions, and there is a light saturation phenomena at PAR=1200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Soil respiration was temperature dependent when there was no soil water stress; otherwise, this response became accumulatively decoupled from soil temperature.

     

Seasonal variation in carbon exchange and its ecological analysis over <Emphasis Type="Italic">Leymus chinensis</Emphasis> steppe in Inner Mongolia

Eddy covariance technique was used to measure carbon flux during two growing seasons in 2003 and 2004 over typical steppe in the Inner Mongolia Plateau, China. The results showed that there were two different CO₂ flux diurnal patterns at the grassland ecosystem. One had a dual peak in diurnal course of CO₂ fluxes with a depression of CO₂ flux after noon, and the other had a single peak. In 2003, the maximum diurnal uptake and emitting value of CO₂ were ?7.4 and 5.4 g·m^?2·d^?1 respectively and both occurred in July. While in 2004, the maximum diurnal uptake and release of CO₂ were ?12.8 and 5.8 g·m^?2·d^?1 and occurred both in August. The grassland fixed 294.66 and 467.46 g CO₂·m^?2 in 2003 and 2004, and released 333.14 and 437.17 g CO₂·m^?2 in 2003 and 2004, respectively from May to September. Water availability and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) are two important factors of controlling CO₂ flux. Consecutive precipitation can cause reduction in the ability of ecosystem carbon exchange. Under favorable soil water conditions, daytime CO₂ flux is dependent on PAR. CO₂ flux, under soil water stress conditions, is obviously less than those under favorable soil water conditions, and there is a light saturation phenomena at PAR=1200 μmol·m^?2·s^?1. Soil respiration was temperature dependent when there was no soil water stress; otherwise, this response became accumulatively decoupled from soil temperature.     

Effects of soil compaction,rain exposure and their interaction on soil carbon dioxide emission

Soils release more carbon, primarily as carbon dioxide (CO₂), per annum than current global anthropogenic emissions. Soils emit CO₂ through mineralization and decomposition of organic matter and respiration of roots and soil organisms. Given this, the evaluation of the effects of abiotic factors on microbial activity is of major importance when considering the mitigation of greenhouse gases emissions. Previous studies demonstrate that soil CO₂ emission is significantly affected by temperature and soil water content. A limited number of studies have illustrated the importance of bulk density and soil surface characteristics as a result of exposure to rain on CO₂ emission, however, none examine their relative importance. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of soil compaction and exposure of the soil surface to rainfall and their interaction on CO₂ release. We conducted a factorial laboratory experiment with three soil types after sieving (clay, silt and sand soil), three different bulk densities (1·1 g cm^–3, 1·3 g cm^–3, 1·5 g cm^–3) and three different exposures to rainfall (no rain, 30 minutes and 90 minutes of rainfall). The results demonstrated CO₂ release varied significantly with bulk density, exposure to rain and time. The relationship between rain exposure and CO₂ is positive: CO₂ emission was 53% and 42% greater for the 90 minutes and 30 minutes rainfall exposure, respectively, compared to those not exposed to rain. Bulk density exhibited a negative relationship with CO₂ emission: soil compacted to a bulk density of 1·1 g cm^–3 emitted 32% more CO₂ than soil compacted to 1·5 g cm^–3. Furthermore we found that the magnitude of CO₂ effluxes depended on the interaction of these two abiotic factors. Given these results, understanding the influence of soil compaction and raindrop impact on CO₂ emission could lead to modified soil management practices which promote carbon sequestration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seasonal variations and mechanism for environmental control of NEE of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> concerning the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Potentilla fruticosa</Emphasis> in alpine shrub meadow of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The study by the eddy covariance technique in the alpine shrub meadow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in 2003 and 2004 showed that the net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange (NEE) exhibited noticeable diurnal and annual variations, with more distinct daily changes during the warmer seasons. The CO₂ emission of the shrub ecosystem culminated in April and September while the CO₂ absorption capacity reached a maximum in July and August. The absorbed carbon dioxide during the two consecutive years was 231.4 and 274.8 g CO₂·m^?2 respectively, yielding an average of 253.1 gCO₂·m^?2 per year: that accounts for a large proportion of absorbed CO₂ in the region. Obviously, the diurnal carbon flux was negatively related to temperature, radiation and other atmospheric factors. Still, minute discrepancies in kurtosis and duration of carbon emission/absorption were detected between 2003 and 2004. It was found that the CO₂ flux in the daytime was similarly affected by photosynthetic photon flux density in both years. Temperature appears to be the most important determinant of CO₂ flux: specifically, the high temperature during the plant growing season inhibits the carbon absorption capacity. One potential explanation is that soil respiration is enhanced under such condition. Analysis of biomass revealed that the annual net carbon fixed capacity of aboveground and belowground biomass was 544.0 in 2003 and 559.4 g C·m^?2 in 2004, which coincided with the NEE absorption capacity (63.1 g C·m^?2 in 2003 and 74.9 g C·m^?2 in 2004) in the corresponding plant growing season.     

Seasonal variations and mechanism for environmental control of NEE of CO2 concerning the Potentilla fruticosa in alpine shrub meadow of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The study by the eddy covariance technique in the alpine shrub meadow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in 2003 and 2004 showed that the net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange (NEE) exhibited noticeable diurnal and annual variations, with more distinct daily changes during the warmer seasons. The CO₂ emission of the shrub ecosystem culminated in April and September while the CO₂ absorption capacity reached a maximum in July and August. The absorbed carbon dioxide during the two consecutive years was 231.4 and 274.8 g CO₂·m⁻² respectively, yielding an average of 253.1 gCO₂·m⁻² per year: that accounts for a large proportion of absorbed CO₂ in the region. Obviously, the diurnal carbon flux was negatively related to temperature, radiation and other atmospheric factors. Still, minute discrepancies in kurtosis and duration of carbon emission/absorption were detected between 2003 and 2004. It was found that the CO₂ flux in the daytime was similarly affected by photosynthetic photon flux density in both years. Temperature appears to be the most important determinant of CO₂ flux: specifically, the high temperature during the plant growing season inhibits the carbon absorption capacity. One potential explanation is that soil respiration is enhanced under such condition. Analysis of biomass revealed that the annual net carbon fixed capacity of aboveground and belowground biomass was 544.0 in 2003 and 559.4 g C·m⁻² in 2004, which coincided with the NEE absorption capacity (63.1 g C·m⁻² in 2003 and 74.9 g C·m⁻² in 2004) in the corresponding plant growing season.

     

Variation in canopy conductance of Cunninghamia lanceolata forest and its response to environmental factors after an extreme rainfall event

Canopy conductance (g_c) is a crucial parameter in simulating evapotranspiration and modulating water exchange, but its variation mechanism has regional uncertainties and complex environmental co-controls. In addition, the effect of extreme rainfall on g_c cannot be ignored under the changing climate. Here, we investigated the variation and environmental controls on g_c and the effect of extreme rainfall events in a Cunninghamia lanceolata forest across the subtropical area of Southern China. In July 2020, an extreme rainstorm hit the source area of the Xin'an River, with the cumulative rainfall on July 7 and 8 reaching 216.6 mm. The thermal diffusion probe method was used to measure the density of sap flow, and the environmental factors such as air temperature (T_a), net solar radiation (R_n) and soil water content (SWC) were monitored during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2021. Ultimately, g_c obtained by the Penman-Monteith equation was adopted since the result from the Köstner equation was overestimated. g_c showed a unimodal curve on the diurnal scale, and this characteristic was more obvious after the extreme rainfall. Daily g_c appeared a fluctuating pattern with a maximum in summer. g_c was simultaneously affected by T_a, R_n, water vapour pressure difference (VPD), SWC, among which T_a was the most significant driving factor at both the diurnal and daily timescales. The regulation of T_a, VPD and SWC on g_c had obvious thresholds, and the most definite response mode was VPD (2020: 1.25 kPa; 2021: 0.95 kPa). SWC and T_a were the dominant factors after the rainfall period, and the promotion effect of VPD on post-rainy days turned to inhibition effect on typical sunny days. These findings will further reveal the water exchange mechanism between atmosphere and vegetation and impacts of environmental factors in subtropical coniferous forests, especially after the extreme rainfall events.     

Net ecosystem CO2 exchange and controlling factors in a steppe—Kobresia meadow on the Tibetan Plateau

Knowledge of seasonal variation of net ecosystem CO₂ exchange (NEE) and its biotic and abiotic controllers will further our understanding of carbon cycling process, mechanism and large-scale modelling. Eddy covariance technique was used to measure NEE, biotic and abiotic factors for nearly 3 years in the hinterland alpine steppe—Korbresia meadow grassland on the Tibetan Plateau, the present highest fluxnet station in the world. The main objectives are to investigate dynamics of NEE and its components and to determine the major controlling factors. Maximum carbon assimilation took place in August and maximum carbon loss occurred in November. In June, rainfall amount due to monsoon climate played a great role in grass greening and consequently influenced interannual variation of ecosystem carbon gain. From July through September, monthly NEE presented net carbon assimilation. In other months, ecosystem exhibited carbon loss. In growing season, daytime NEE was mainly controlled by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). In addition, leaf area index (LAI) interacted with PAR and together modulated NEE rates. Ecosystem respiration was controlled mainly by soil temperature and simultaneously by soil moisture. Q ₁₀ was negatively correlated with soil temperature but positively correlated with soil moisture. Large daily range of air temperature is not necessary to enhance carbon gain. Standard respiration rate at referenced 10°C (R ₁₀) was positively correlated with soil moisture, soil temperature, LAI and aboveground biomass. Rainfall patterns in growing season markedly influenced soil moisture and therefore soil moisture controlled seasonal change of ecosystem respiration. Pulse rainfall in the beginning and at the end of growing season induced great ecosystem respiration and consequently a great amount of carbon was lost. Short growing season and relative low temperature restrained alpine grass vegetation development. The results suggested that LAI be usually in a low level and carbon uptake be relatively low. Rainfall patterns in the growing season and pulse rainfall in the beginning and at end of growing season control ecosystem respiration and consequently influence carbon balance of ecosystem.

     

Simulation of crop growth and energy and carbon dioxide fluxes at different time steps from hourly to daily

Understanding the exchange processes of energy and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the soil–vegetation–atmosphere system is important for assessing the role of the terrestrial ecosystem in the global water and carbon cycle and in climate change. We present a soil–vegetation–atmosphere integrated model (ChinaAgrosys) for simulating energy, water and CO₂ fluxes, crop growth and development, with ample supply of nutrients and in the absence of pests, diseases and weed damage. Furthermore, we test the hypotheses of whether there is any significant difference between simulations over different time steps. CO₂, water and heat fluxes were estimated by the improving parameterization method of the coupled photosynthesis–stomatal conductance–transpiration model. Soil water evaporation and plant transpiration were calculated using a multilayer water and heat‐transfer model. Field experiments were conducted in the Yucheng Integrated Agricultural Experimental Station on the North China Plain. Daily weather and crop growth variables were observed during 1998–2001, and hourly weather variables and water and heat fluxes were measured using the eddy covariance method during 2002–2003. The results showed that the model could effectively simulate diurnal and seasonal changes of net radiation, sensible and latent heat flux, soil heat flux and CO₂ fluxes. The processes of evapotranspiration, soil temperature and leaf area index agree well with the measured values. Midday depression of canopy photosynthesis could be simulated by assessing the diurnal change in canopy water potential. Moreover, the comparisons of simulated daily evapotranspiration and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) under different time steps indicated that time steps used by a model affect the simulated results. There is no significant difference between simulated evapotranspiration using the model under different time steps. However, simulated NEE produces large differences in the response to different time steps. Therefore, the accurate calculation of average absorbed photosynthetic active radiation is important for the scaling of the model from hourly steps to daily steps in simulating energy and CO₂ flux exchanges between winter wheat and the atmosphere. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A stochastic model for daily subsurface CO2 concentration and related soil respiration

Near-surface soil CO₂ gas-phase concentration (C) and concomitant incident rainfall (P_i) and through-fall (P_t) depths were collected at different locations in a temperate pine forest every 30 min during the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons (and then averaged to the daily timescale). At the daily scale, C temporal variations were well described by a sequence of monotonically decreasing functions interrupted by large positive jumps induced by rainfall events. A stochastic model was developed to link rainfall statistics responsible for these jumps to near-surface C dynamics. The model accounted for the effect of daily rainfall variability, both in terms of timing and amount of water, and permitted an analytical derivation of the C probability density function (pdf) using the parameters of the rainfall pdf. Given the observed positive correlation between daily C and soil CO₂ fluxes to the atmosphere (F_s), the effects of various rainfall regimes on the statistics of F_s can be deduced from the behavior of C under different climatic conditions. The predictions from this analytical model are consistent with flux measurements reported in manipulative experiments that varied rainfall amount and frequency.     

A comparison between simulated and measured CO2 and water flux in a subtropical coniferous forest

Using data from eddy covariance measurements in a subtropical coniferous forest, a test and evaluation have been made for the model of Carbon Exchange in the Vegetation-Soil-Atmosphere (CEVSA) that simulates energy transfers and water, carbon and nitrogen cycles based on ecophysiological processes. In the present study, improvement was made in the model in calculating LAI, carbon allocation among plant organs, litter fall, decomposition and evapotranspiration. The simulated seasonal variations in carbon and water vapor flux were consistent with the measurements. The model explained 90% and 86% of the measured variations in evapotranspiration and soil water content. However, the modeled evapotranspiration and soil water content were lower than the measured systematically, because the model assumed that water was lost as runoff if it was beyond the soil saturation water content, but the soil at the flux site with abundant rainfall is often above water saturated. The improved model reproduced 79% and 88% of the measured variations in gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (R _e), but only 31% of the variations in measured net ecosystem exchange (NEP) despite the fact that the modeled annual NEP was close to the observation. The modeled NEP was generally lower in winter and higher in summer than the observations. The simulated responses of photosynthesis and respiration to water vapor deficit at high temperatures were different from measurements. The results suggested that the improved model underestimated ecosystem photosynthesis and respiration in extremely condition. The present study shows that CEVSA can simulate the seasonal pattern and magnitude of CO₂ and water vapor fluxes, but further improvement in simulating photosynthesis and respiration at extreme temperatures and water deficit is required.

     

Evaporation of perennial semi‐arid woodland in southeastern Australia is adapted for irregular but common dry periods

Measurements of water vapour flux from semi‐arid perennial woodland (mallee) were made for 3 years using eddy covariance instrumentation. There have been no previous long‐term, detailed measures of water use in this ecosystem. Latent energy flux (LE) on a half hourly basis was the measure of the combined soil and plant evaporation, ‘evapotranspiration’ (E_LE) of the site. Aggregation over 3 years of the site measured rain (1136 mm) and the estimated evaporation (794 mm) suggests that 342 mm or 30% of rain had moved into or past the root zone of the vegetation. Above average rainfall during 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 (633 mm, 15 months) would likely have been the period during which significant groundwater recharge occurred. At times immediately after rainfall, E_LE rates were the same or exceeded estimates of potential E calculated from a suitably parameterized Penman–Monteith (E_PMo) equation. Apparent free water E from plant interception and soil evaporation was about 2.3 mm and lasted for 1.3 days following rainfall in summer, while in autumn, E was 5.1 mm that lasted over 5.4 days. The leaf area index (LAI) needed to adjust a wind function calibrated Penman equation (E_PMe) to match the E_LE values could be back calculated to generate seasonal change in LAI from 0.12 to 0.46 and compared well with normalized difference vegetation index; r = 0.38 and p = 0.0213* and LAI calculated from digital cover photography. The apparently conservative response of perennial vegetation evaporation to available water in these semi‐arid environments reinforces the conclusion that these ecosystems use this mechanism to survive the reasonably common dry periods. Plant response to soil water availability is primarily through gradual changes in leaf area. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Estimate of productivity in ecosystem of the broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest in Changbai Mountain

We measured soil, stem and branch respiration of trees and shrubs, foliage photosynthesis and respiration in ecosystem of the needle and broad-leaved Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain by LI-6400 CO₂ analysis system. Measurement of forest microclimate was conducted simultaneously and a model was found for the relationship of soil, stem, leaf and climate factors. CO₂ flux of different components in ecosystem of the broad-leaved Korean pine forest was estimated based on vegetation characteristics. The net ecosystem exchange was measured by eddy covariance technique. And we studied the effect of temperature and photosynthetic active radiation on ecosystem CO₂ flux. Through analysis we found that the net ecosystem exchange was affected mainly by soil respiration and leaf photosynthesis. Annual net ecosystem exchange ranged from a minimum of about ?4.671 μmol·m^?2·s^?1 to a maximum of 13.80 μmol·m^?2·s^?1, mean net ecosystem exchange of CO₂ flux was ?2.0 μmol·m^?2·s^?1 and 3.9 μmol·m^?2·s^?1 in winter and summer respectively (mean value during 24 h). Primary productivity of tree, shrub and herbage contributed about 89.7%, 3.5% and 6.8% to the gross primary productivity of the broad-leaved Korean pine forest respectively. Soil respiration contributed about 69.7% CO₂ to the broad-leaved Korean pine forest ecosystem, comprising about 15.2% from tree leaves and 15.1% from branches. The net ecosystem exchange in growing season and non-growing season contributed 56.8% and 43.2% to the annual CO₂ efflux respectively. The ratio of autotrophic respiration to gross primary productivity (R _a:GPP) was 0.52 (NPP:GPP=0.48). Annual carbon accumulation underground accounted for 52% of the gross primary productivity, and soil respiration contributed 60% to gross primary productivity. The NPP of the needle and broad-leaved Korean pine forest was 769.3 gC·m^?2·a^?1. The net ecosystem exchange of this forest ecosystem (NEE) was 229.51 gC·m^?2·a^?1. The NEE of this forest ecosystem acquired by eddy covariance technique was lower than chamber estimates by 19.8%.     

Inter‐annual variations and factors controlling evapotranspiration in a temperate Japanese cypress forest

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of climatic variability on inter‐annual variations in each component of evapotranspiration (ET) and the total ET in a temperate coniferous forest in Japan. We conducted eddy covariance flux and meteorological measurements for 7 years and parameterized a one‐dimensional multi‐layer biosphere‐atmosphere model (Kosugi et al., 2006 ) that partitions ET to transpiration (Tr), wet‐canopy evaporation (E_wet), and soil evaporation (E_soil). The model was validated with the observed flux data. Using the model, the components of ET were estimated for the 7 years. Annual precipitation, ET, Tr, E_wet, and E_soil over the 7 years were 1536 ± 334 mm, 752 ± 29 mm, 425 ± 37 mm, 219 ± 34 mm, and 108 ± 10 mm, respectively. The maximum inter‐annual fluctuation of observed ET was 64 mm with a coefficient of variance (CV) of 2.7%, in contrast to relatively large year‐to‐year variations in annual rainfall (CV = 20.1%). Tr was related to the vapour pressure deficit, incoming radiation, and air temperature with relatively small inter‐annual variations (CV = 8.2%). E_soil (CV = 8.6%) was related mainly to the vapour pressure deficit. E_wet was related to precipitation with large inter‐annual variations (CV = 14.3%) because of the variability in precipitation. The variations in E_wet were counterbalanced by the variations in Tr and E_soil, producing the small inter‐annual variations in total ET. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Field study on influence of root characteristics on soil suction distribution in slopes vegetated with Cynodon dactylon and Schefflera heptaphylla

Vegetation evapotranspiration (ET) induced soil water suction reduces hydraulic conductivity and increases shear strength of slopes. Several field studies have been conducted to investigate suction distribution in vegetated slopes. However, these studies were conducted on natural slopes, which are prone to heterogeneity in vegetation and soil conditions. Moreover, studies quantifying the effect of different vegetation species, root characteristics (root depth and root area index) and transpiration reduction function (T_rf) on suction in slopes under natural variation are rare. This study investigated the suction distribution and root characteristics in recompacted slopes vegetated with two different species, i.e. Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and Schefflera heptaphylla (ivy tree). Bare slope served as a control. Suction distributions during different seasons and rainfall events were monitored. It is found that during the dry season, slope vegetated with young Schefflera heptaphylla seedlings have substantially higher suction within the root zone compared with bare slope and slope vegetated with Cynodon dactylon. This is because Schefflera heptaphylla has a higher root biomass, T_rf and ET than Cynodon dactylon. It was also found that suctions within root zones of vegetated slopes and bare slope were completely destroyed under rainfall events corresponding to 2 years and 20 years return period. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In situ Permeability Measurements Based on a Radial Gas Advection Model: Relationships Between Soil Permeability and Diffuse CO2 Degassing in Volcanic Areas

In this paper we have developed a new method for measuring in situ soil permeability, which is based on the theory of radial gas advection through an isotropic porous medium. The method was tested in the laboratory and at several locations on the island of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy). It consists of a special device which generates a gas source at a depth of 50 cm and it permits measurement of the relative induced pressure in nearby soil at different depths. The characteristic error of the method was less than 10%. Furthermore, soil permeability measurements were carried out in the island of Vulcano during different periods of the year (between May 2000 and June 2001). A strong decrease in permeability in the upper layers of the soil during and after rainfall was noted, with very poor correlations between the spatial distributions of soil CO₂ flux and shallow soil permeability.     

Net ecosystem CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> exchange and controlling factors in a steppe—<Emphasis Type="Italic">Kobresia</Emphasis> meadow on the Tibetan Plateau

Knowledge of seasonal variation of net ecosystem CO₂ exchange (NEE) and its biotic and abiotic controllers will further our understanding of carbon cycling process, mechanism and large-scale modelling. Eddy covariance technique was used to measure NEE, biotic and abiotic factors for nearly 3 years in the hinterland alpine steppe—Korbresia meadow grassland on the Tibetan Plateau, the present highest fluxnet station in the world. The main objectives are to investigate dynamics of NEE and its components and to determine the major controlling factors. Maximum carbon assimilation took place in August and maximum carbon loss occurred in November. In June, rainfall amount due to monsoon climate played a great role in grass greening and consequently influenced interannual variation of ecosystem carbon gain. From July through September, monthly NEE presented net carbon assimilation. In other months, ecosystem exhibited carbon loss. In growing season, daytime NEE was mainly controlled by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). In addition, leaf area index (LAI) interacted with PAR and together modulated NEE rates. Ecosystem respiration was controlled mainly by soil temperature and simultaneously by soil moisture. Q ₁₀ was negatively correlated with soil temperature but positively correlated with soil moisture. Large daily range of air temperature is not necessary to enhance carbon gain. Standard respiration rate at referenced 10°C (R ₁₀) was positively correlated with soil moisture, soil temperature, LAI and aboveground biomass. Rainfall patterns in growing season markedly influenced soil moisture and therefore soil moisture controlled seasonal change of ecosystem respiration. Pulse rainfall in the beginning and at the end of growing season induced great ecosystem respiration and consequently a great amount of carbon was lost. Short growing season and relative low temperature restrained alpine grass vegetation development. The results suggested that LAI be usually in a low level and carbon uptake be relatively low. Rainfall patterns in the growing season and pulse rainfall in the beginning and at end of growing season control ecosystem respiration and consequently influence carbon balance of ecosystem.     

CO2 flux evaluation over the evergreen coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest in Dinghushan,China

The Dinghushan flux observation site, as one of the four forest sites of ChinaFLUX, aims to acquire long-term measurements of CO₂ flux over a typical southern subtropical evergreen coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest ecosystem using the open path eddy covariance method. Based on two years of data from 2003 to 2004, the characteristics of temporal variation in CO₂ flux and its response to environmental factors in the forest ecosystem are analyzed. Provided two-dimensional coordinate rotation, WPL correction and quality control, poor energy-balance and underestimation of ecosystem respiration during nighttime implied that there could be a CO₂ leak during the nighttime at the site. Using daytime (PAR > 1.0 μmol⁻¹·m⁻²·s⁻¹) flux data during windy conditions (u* > 0.2 m·s⁻¹), monthly ecosystem respiration (Reco) was derived through the Michaelis-Menten equation modeling the relationship between net ecosystem C0₂ exchange (NEE) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Exponential function was employed to describe the relationship between Reco and soil temperature at 5 cm depth (Ts05), then Reco of both daytime and nighttime was calculated respectively by the function. The major results are: (i) Derived from the Michaelis-Menten equation, the apparent quantum yield (α) was 0.0027±0.0011 mgCO₂·μmol⁻¹ photons, and the maximum photosynthetic assimilation rate (Amax) was 1.102±0.288 mgCO₂·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Indistinctive seasonal variation of α or Amax was consistent with weak seasonal dynamics of leaf area index (LAf) in such a lower subtropical evergreen mixed forest, (ii) Monthly accumulated Reco was estimated as 95.3±21.1 gC·m⁻²mon⁻¹, accounting for about 68% of the gross primary product (GPP). Monthly accumulated WEE was estimated as −43.2±29.6 gC·m⁻²·mon⁻¹. The forest ecosystem acted as carbon sink all year round without any seasonal carbon efflux period. Annual NEE of 2003 and 2004 was estimated as −563.0 and −441.2 gC·m⁻²·a⁻¹ respectively, accounting for about 32% of GPP.

     

Drop size distribution and kinetic energy load of rainfall events in the highlands of the Central Rift Valley,Ethiopia

Abstract

Knowledge of rainfall characteristics is important for estimating soil erosion in arid areas. We determined basic rainfall characteristics (raindrop size distribution, intensity and kinetic energy), evaluated the erosivity of rainfall events, and established a relationship between rainfall intensity I and volume-specific kinetic energy KE_vol for the Central Rift Valley area of the Ethiopian highlands. We collected raindrops on dyed filter paper and calculated KE_vol and erosivity values for each rainfall event. For most rainfall intensities the median volume drop diameter (D₅₀) was higher than expected, or reported in most studies. Rainfall intensity in the region was not high, with 8% of rain events exceeding 30 mm h^-1. We calculated soil erosion from storm energy and maximum 30-min intensity for soils of different erodibility under conditions of fallow (unprotected soil), steep slope (about 9%) and no cover and management practice on the surface, and determined that 3 MJ mm ha^-1 h^-1 is the threshold erosivity, while erosivity of >7 MJ mm ha^-1 h^-1 could cause substantial erosion in all soil types in the area.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate Editor Q. Zhang