Competition in old-field perennials under CO/sub 2/ enrichment. [Andropogon virginicus; Aster pilosus]

Journal Article · Sat Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Ecology; (United States)

OSTI ID:6066838

Wray, S M; Strain, B R

Differential response of individual species to increasing atmospheric CO/sub 2/ concentrations may change community structure in natural ecosystems. Some species of old-field annuals show increases in competitive potential under exposure to increased CO/sub 2/ concentrations so that their relative contribution to community production increases. Species with the C/sub 3/ photosynthetic pathway typically increase, whereas species with the C/sub 4/ photosynthetic pathway decrease in size and absolute contribution to community production. Aster pilosus (aster), a species with the C/sub 3/ photosynthetic pathway, is often the dominant perennial in fields 2-3 yr after abandonment. Andropogon virginicus (broomsedge), a grass species with the C/sub 4/ photosynthetic pathway, out competes and replaces aster during the next several years. When grown individually, aster increases in size, whereas broomsedge does not increase under CO/sub 2/ enrichment. Thus, the present competitive interaction between these species could change if the atmospheric CO/sub 2/ concentration continues to increase. A simplified de Wit Replacement Series was used to study the competitive interaction between aster and broomsedge under three CO/sub 2/ regimes.

• Research Organization: Duke Univ., Durham, NC
• DOE Contract Number: AS05-83ER60177
• OSTI ID: 6066838
• Journal Information: Ecology; (United States), Journal Name: Ecology; (United States) Vol. 68:4; ISSN ECOLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DATA
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FOLIAR UPTAKE
GRASS
GROWTH
INFORMATION
LEAVES
NUMERICAL DATA
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
SYNTHESIS
UPTAKE