Will elevated carbon dioxide concentration amplify the benefits of nitrogen fixation in legumes?

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Plant Physiology (Bethesda)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.109.144113· OSTI ID:1040285

Rogers, A; Ainsworth, E A; Leakey, A D. B.

Growth at elevated [CO{sub 2}] stimulates photosynthesis and increases carbon (C) supply in all C3 species. A sustained and maximal stimulation in productivity at elevated [CO{sub 2}] requires an enhanced nutrient supply to match the increase in C acquisition. The ability of legumes to exchange C for nitrogen (N) with their N{sub 2}-fixing symbionts has led to the hypothesis that legumes will have a competitive advantage over nonleguminous species when grown at elevated [CO{sub 2}]. On balance, evidence suggests that in managed systems, legumes are more responsive to elevated [CO{sub 2}] than other plants (e.g. Ainsworth and Long, 2005); however, in natural ecosystems, nutrient availability can limit the response of legumes to elevated [CO{sub 2}] (Hungate et al., 2004; van Groenigen et al., 2006). Here, we consider these observations, outline the mechanisms that underlie them, and examine recent work that advances our understanding of how legumes respond to growth at elevated [CO{sub 2}]. First we highlight the global importance of legumes and provide a brief overview of the symbiotic relationship.

• Research Organization: BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY (BNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE SC OFFICE OF SCIENCE (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 1040285
• Report Number(s): BNL--90982-2010-JA; KP1207010
• Journal Information: Plant Physiology (Bethesda), Journal Name: Plant Physiology (Bethesda) Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 151; ISSN 0032-0889; ISSN PLPHAY
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AVAILABILITY
CARBON
CARBON DIOXIDE
ECOSYSTEMS
HYPOTHESIS
NITROGEN
NITROGEN FIXATION
NUTRIENTS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PRODUCTIVITY
STIMULATION