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Enhanced woody biomass production in a mature temperate forest under elevated CO2

Author

Listed:
  • Richard J. Norby

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory)

  • Neil J. Loader

    (Swansea University)

  • Carolina Mayoral

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • Sami Ullah

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • Giulio Curioni

    (University of Birmingham
    Northern Research Station)

  • Andy R. Smith

    (Bangor University)

  • Michaela K. Reay

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham
    University of Bristol)

  • Klaske Wijngaarden

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham
    Western Sydney University)

  • Muhammad Shoaib Amjad

    (University of Birmingham
    Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bagh)

  • Deanne Brettle

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • Martha E. Crockatt

    (Mayfield House
    University of Oxford)

  • Gael Denny

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Robert T. Grzesik

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • R. Liz Hamilton

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • Kris M. Hart

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Iain P. Hartley

    (University of Exeter)

  • Alan G. Jones

    (Mayfield House
    Scion)

  • Angeliki Kourmouli

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham
    Lancaster University, Bailrigg)

  • Joshua R. Larsen

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • Zongbo Shi

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

  • Rick M. Thomas

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham
    Big Sky Science Ltd.)

  • A. Robert MacKenzie

    (University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham)

Abstract

Enhanced CO2 assimilation by forests as atmospheric CO2 concentration rises could slow the rate of CO2 increase if the assimilated carbon is allocated to long-lived biomass. Experiments in young tree plantations support a CO2 fertilization effect as atmospheric CO2 continues to increase. Uncertainty exists, however, as to whether older, more mature forests retain the capacity to respond to elevated CO2. Here, aided by tree-ring analysis and canopy laser scanning, we show that a 180-year-old Quercus robur L. woodland in central England increased the production of woody biomass when exposed to free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) for 7 years. Further, elevated CO2 increased exudation of carbon from fine roots into the soil with likely effects on nutrient cycles. The increase in tree growth and allocation to long-lived woody biomass demonstrated here substantiates the major role for mature temperate forests in climate change mitigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard J. Norby & Neil J. Loader & Carolina Mayoral & Sami Ullah & Giulio Curioni & Andy R. Smith & Michaela K. Reay & Klaske Wijngaarden & Muhammad Shoaib Amjad & Deanne Brettle & Martha E. Crockatt, 2024. "Enhanced woody biomass production in a mature temperate forest under elevated CO2," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 14(9), pages 983-988, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:14:y:2024:i:9:d:10.1038_s41558-024-02090-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02090-3
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