The age of CO2 released from contrasting ecosystems during the arctic winter

Hartley, I.P., Garnett, M.H. , Sommerkorn, M., Hopkins, D.W. and Wookey, P.A. (2013) The age of CO2 released from contrasting ecosystems during the arctic winter. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 63, pp. 1-4. (doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2013.03.011)

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Abstract

In arctic ecosystems, winter soil respiration can contribute substantially to annual CO2 release, yet the source of this C is not clear. We analysed the 14C content of C released from plant-free plots in mountain birch forest and tundra-heath. Winter-respired CO2 was found to be a similar age (tundra) or older (forest) than C released during the previous autumn. Overall, our study demonstrates that the decomposition of older C can continue during the winter, in these two contrasting arctic ecosystems.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Garnett, Dr Mark
Authors: Hartley, I.P., Garnett, M.H., Sommerkorn, M., Hopkins, D.W., and Wookey, P.A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Soil Biology and Biochemistry
ISSN:0038-0717

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