How environmental conditions affect canopy leaf-level photosynthesis in four deciduous tree species
- Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA (United States). Dept. of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Species composition of temperate forests vary with successional age and seems likely to change in response to significant global climate change. Because photosynthesis rates in co-occurring tree species can differ in their sensitivity to environmental conditions, these changes in species composition are likely to alter the carbon dynamics of temperate forests. To help improve their understanding of such atmosphere-biosphere interactions, the authors explored changes in leaf-level photosynthesis in a 60--70 yr old temperate mixed-deciduous forest in Petersham, Massachusetts (USA). Diurnally and seasonally varying environmental conditions differentially influenced in situ leaf-level photosynthesis rates in the canopies of four mature temperate deciduous tree species: red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), white birch (Betula papyrifera), and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). The authors measured in situ photosynthesis at two heights within the canopies through a diurnal time course on 7 d over two growing seasons. They simultaneously measured a suite of environmental conditions surrounding the leaf at the time of each measurement. The authors used path analysis to examine the influence of environmental factors on in situ photosynthesis in the tree canopies.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 318771
- Journal Information:
- Ecology, Vol. 79, Issue 8; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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