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Elevated atmospheric CO 2 affects structure of a model regenerating longleaf pine community
Author(s) -
Davis Micheal A.,
Pritchard Seth G.,
Mitchell Robert J.,
Prior Stephen A.,
Rogers Hugo H.,
Runion G. Brett
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.452
H-Index - 181
eISSN - 1365-2745
pISSN - 0022-0477
DOI - 10.1046/j.0022-0477.2001.00642.x
Subject(s) - perennial plant , herbaceous plant , biology , biomass (ecology) , evergreen , community structure , plant community , ecology , botany , agronomy , ecological succession
Differences in plant morphology, physiology, life form, and symbiotic relationships can generate differences in species responses to CO 2 ‐enrichment, which can alter competitive interactions, thus affecting community structure and function. Here, we present data from a two‐year study, examining the species and community responses to elevated [CO 2 ] of a model regenerating longleaf pine community. The model community was constructed from an assemblage of early successional forest species representing major functional guilds within a typical longleaf pine–wiregrass community: (1) a C 3 evergreen conifer ( Pinus palustris ); (2) a C 4 bunch grass ( Aristida stricta ); (3) a C 3 broadleaf tree ( Quercus margaretta ); (4) a C 3 perennial herbaceous legume ( Crotalaria rotundifolia ); and (5) a C 3 herbaceous perennial ( Asclepias tuberosa ). After 2 years, CO 2 ‐enriched plots had 109% greater above‐ground biomass than ambient plots, mainly due to a 117% increase in pine biomass. Community structure was altered by CO 2 enrichment; Crotalaria and Asclepias had higher mortality and less biomass in high‐CO 2 plots, suggesting that not all species will perform well as global [CO 2 ] rises. Our data suggest that longleaf pine communities as a whole will perform well in a future higher CO 2 world, but some species may fall prey to altered competitive interactions for light and soil moisture.