Effect of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide and open-top chambers on transpiration in a tallgrass prairie
- Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, KS (United States)
Increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) may influence plant-water relations in natural and agricultural ecosystems. A tallgrass prairie near Manhattan, KS, was exposed to elevated atmospheric CO{sub 2} using open-top chambers (OTCs). Heat balance sap flow gauges were used to measure transpiration in ironweed [Vernonia baldwini var. interior (Small) Schub.], aC{sub 3}forb, and on individual grass culms of big bluestem (Andropogan geradii Vitman) and indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L>) Nash], both C{sub 4} grasses, in each of three treatments: (1) CE (chamber enriched, 2x ambient CO{sub 2}); (2) CA (chamber ambient, no CO{sub 2} enrichment); and (3) NC (no chamber, no CO{sub 2} enrichment). Sap flow data were coupled with measurements of stomatal conductance, plant/canopy resistance, and whole-chamber evapotranspiration (ET) to determine the effect of elevated CO{sub 2} on water use at different scales. Because of frequent rainfall during the study, all data were collected under well-watered conditions. Comparisons of CE and CA showed that sap flow was reduced by 33% in ironweed, 18% in big bluestem, and 22% in indiangrass under CO{sub 2} enrichment. Whole-chamber ET was reduced by 23 to 27% under CO{sub 2} enrichment. Comparisons of CA and NC showed that the environmental effect of the OTCs caused a 21 to 24% reduction in transpiration. Stomatal conductance decreased from 7.9 to 3.6 mm s{sup {minus}1} in big bluestem and from 5.3 to 3.2 mm s{sup {minus}1} in indiangrass under CO{sub 2} enrichment. Soil water was consistently highest under elevated CO{sub 2}, reflecting the large reductions in transpiration. During sap flow measurements, whole-plant stomatal resistance to water vapor flux in big bluestem increased from 103 to 194 s m{sup {minus}1} under elevated CO{sub 2}. 23 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 381004
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Environmental Quality, Vol. 25, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Jul-Aug 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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