Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide effects on cotton plant residue decomposition

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Soil Science Society of America Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1995.03615995005900050018x· OSTI ID:151252

Torbert, H A ^[1]; Prior, S A; Rogers, H H ^[2]

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1. USDA-ARS Blackland, Temple. TX (United States)
2. USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Lab., Auburn, AL (United States)

Assessing the impact of elevated atmospheric CO{sub 2} concentration on the global environment is hampered due to a lack of understanding of global C cycling. Carbon fixed within plant biomass ultimately enters the soil via plant residues, but the effects of elevated-CO{sub 2}-grown plant material on decomposition rates and long-term soil C storage are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the decomposition rate of plant residues grown under an elevated CO{sub 2} environment as affected by soil type. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. `Delta Pine 77`) samples were collected from a free-air CO{sub 2} enrichment (550 {mu}L L{sup -1}) experiment. The plant residues were incubated under ambient CO{sub 2} conditions to determine decomposition rates of leaves, stems, and roots and potential N and P mineralization-immobilization in three soil series. No significant difference was observed between plant residue grown under CO{sub 2} enrichment vs. ambient CO{sub 2} conditions for soil respiration or P mineralization-immobilization. Significantly greater net N immobilization was observed during the incubation in all soil types for plant residue grown at elevated CO{sub 2}. These results indicate that while decomposition of plant residue may not be reduced by CO{sub 2} enrichment, N dynamics may be markedly changed. 32 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 151252
• Journal Information: Soil Science Society of America Journal, Journal Name: Soil Science Society of America Journal Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 59; ISSN 0361-5995; ISSN SSSJD4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
55 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BASIC STUDIES
AGRICULTURE
BIOMASS
CARBON CYCLE
CARBON DIOXIDE
COTTON PLANTS
DECOMPOSITION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
MINERALIZATION
NITROGEN
RESIDUES
SOILS
VITRIFICATION