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Limited effect of increased atmospheric CO 2 concentration on ombrotrophic bog vegetation
Author(s) -
Hoosbeek Marcel R.,
Van Breemen Nico,
Berendse Frank,
Grosvernier Philippe,
Vasander Harri,
Wallén Bo
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2001.00096.x
Subject(s) - ombrotrophic , bog , sphagnum , peat , environmental science , environmental chemistry , subarctic climate , ecosystem , lawn , biomass (ecology) , vascular plant , boreal , carbon dioxide in earth's atmosphere , herbaceous plant , vegetation (pathology) , nutrient , carbon dioxide , ecology , chemistry , biology , medicine , pathology , species richness
Summary• Boreal and subarctic peatlands contain 20–30% of the world’s soil organic carbon, and if growing, they constitute sinks for atmospheric CO 2 . We hypothesized that even in the nutrient‐poor bog environment, elevated CO 2 would stimulate Sphagnum growth more than vascular plant growth, thereby improving Sphagnum’s competitive strength and enhancing carbon (C) sequestration.• Free‐air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiments took place on predominantly ombrotrophic peatbog‐lawns in Finland (FI), Sweden (SW), The Netherlands (NL), and Switzerland (CH).• After 3 yr of treatment, increased CO 2 concentration (560 ppm on volume basis) had no significant effect on Sphagnum or vascular plant biomass at either site.• This research suggests that, just as with other nutrient‐poor ecosystems, increased atmospheric CO 2 concentrations will have a limited effect on bog ecosystems.