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Changes in C storage by terrestrial ecosystems: How C-N interactions restrict responses to CO2 and temperature

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Abstract

A general model of ecosystem biogeochemistry was used to examine the responses of arctic tundra and temperate hardwood forests to a doubling of CO2 concentration and to a 5°C increase in average growing season temperature. The amount of C stored in both ecosystems increased with both increased CO2 and temperature. Under increased CO2, the increase in C storage was due to increases in the C∶N ratio of both vegetation and soils. Under increased temperature, the increased C storage in the forest was due to a shift in N from soils (with low C∶N ratios) to vegetation (with high C∶N ratios). In the tundra, both a shift in N from soils to vegetation and an increase in C∶N ratios contributed to increased C storage under higher temperatures. Neither ecosystem sequestered N from external sources because the supply rate was low.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Biological Laboratory, The Ecosystems Center, Woods Hole, 02543, Massachusetts, USA

    E. B. Rastetter, R. B. McKANE, G. R. Shaver & J. M. Melillo

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  1. E. B. Rastetter
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  2. R. B. McKANE
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  3. G. R. Shaver
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  4. J. M. Melillo
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Rastetter, E.B., McKANE, R.B., Shaver, G.R. et al. Changes in C storage by terrestrial ecosystems: How C-N interactions restrict responses to CO2 and temperature. Water Air Soil Pollut 64, 327–344 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00477109

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