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EFFECTS OF ELEVATED CO2 ON ROOT GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR DESERT PLANTS
Citation:
Nowak, R. S., D L. Phillips, D T. Tingey, AND M G. Johnson. EFFECTS OF ELEVATED CO2 ON ROOT GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY FOR DESERT PLANTS. Presented at International Workshop on Short- and Long-Term Effects of Elevated Atmospheric CO2 on Managed Ecosystems, Ascona, Switzerland, March 20-25, 2004.
Description:
The effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on the growth and physiology of roots have been measured in situ at the Nevada Desert FACE Facility. Minirhizotron measurements of fine root length production, mortality, and standing crop were not increased by elevated CO2. However, specific root length as well as root and soil respiration generally increased under elevated CO2, indicating the production of lighter, more physiologically-active roots under elevated CO2. Together, these results suggest that the allocation and use of resources by desert plants are influenced by elevated CO2, with potential consequences on belowground carbon sequestration in desert ecosystems.