Abstract
We explored the influence of small-scale spatial variation in soil moisture on CO2 fluxes in the high Arctic. Of five sites forming a hydrological gradient, CO2 was emitted from the three driest sites and only the wettest site was a net sink of CO2. Soil moisture was a good predictor of net ecosystem exchange (NEE). Higher gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) was linked to higher bryophyte biomass and activity in response to the moisture conditions. Ecosystem respiration (R-e) rates increased with soil moisture until the soil became anaerobic and then R (e) decreased. At well-drained sites R-e was driven by GEP, suggesting substrate and moisture limitation of soil respiration. We propose that spatial variability in soil moisture is a primary driver of NEE.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 205-216 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Biogeochemistry |
Volume | 80 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 |
Keywords
- high Arctic
- carbon dioxide fluxes
- spatial variability
- soil moisture
- vegetation
- SIMULATED ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGE
- CARBON-DIOXIDE FLUXES
- FOREST-TUNDRA ECOTONE
- TRACE GAS-EXCHANGE
- CLIMATE-CHANGE
- MICROBIAL BIOMASS
- SOIL RESPIRATION
- POLAR SEMIDESERT
- METHANE EXCHANGE
- GROWTH-RESPONSES