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CO2 exchange in the alpine sedge Carex curvula as influenced by canopy structure, light and temperature

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Summary

The temperature and light responses of CO2 uptake (Fn) in the sedge Carex curvula were investigated in situ by IRGA technic in the Austrian Central Alps at an altitude of 2,310 m. Fn in Carex leaves reaches a maximum of 15.6 mg CO2 dm-2 h-1 at a leaf temperature of 22.5°C and a quantum flux density larger than 1.0 mmol photons m-2 s-1 (400–700 nm). A model based on a polynomal regression analysis of the Fn responses and informations about the microclimate and the canopy structure was used to simulate F n for individual days and for a whole season. It turned out that the major rate limiting factor is the availability of light in the canopy: The calculated photosynthetic yield for a hypothetical optimum season of clear days with fully illuminated leaves and optimum temperature as well as for a typical season with the actual light and temperature conditions in the canopy, shows that insufficient illumination of the leaves accounts for almost 40% reduction of the possible CO2 uptake while suboptimal temperatures cause only a loss of 8%. Half of the light deficit is caused by mutual shading of the leaves. The minor importance of temperature for the annual CO2 uptake results from the fact that temperature adaptation of F n in this sedge allows optimal utilization of short periods with high light intensity and hence high photosynthetic yield. The weaker the quantum supply the more becomes temperature limiting. This indicates that the length of the growing season is probably less important for the success of this prominent alpine plant than the sum of hours with high radiation.

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Abbreviations

I o :

quantum flux density in a horizontal plane above the plant canopy (μmol photons m-2 s-1, 400–700 nm)

I z :

as I o, but at level z in the leaf canopy

I 1 :

quantum flux density received by a leaf at level z and with leaf inclination γ (for diffuse light I z=I 1)

β:

solar elevation angle (°)

γ:

leaf angle to the vertical (°)

κ:

extinction coefficient

LAI:

leaf area index

T 1 :

leaf temperature (°C)

F n :

rate of net photosynthesis (CO2 uptake; mg CO2 g dry weight-1 h-1, or mg CO2 dm-2 h-1, projected leaf area)

R d :

rate of dark respiration (mg CO2 g-1 h-1)

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  1. Institut für Botanik, Universität Innsbruck, Sternwartestraße 15, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria

    Ch. Körner

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Körner, C. CO2 exchange in the alpine sedge Carex curvula as influenced by canopy structure, light and temperature. Oecologia 53, 98–104 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377142

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