Open AccessAcclimation of Foliar Respiration and Photosynthesis in Response to Experimental Warming in a Temperate Steppe in Northern China
Author(s) -
Yonggang Chi,
Minggang Xu,
Ruichang Shen,
Qingpeng Yang,
Bingru Huang,
Shiqiang Wan
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0056482
Subject(s) - q10 , acclimatization , temperate climate , ecosystem , ecosystem respiration , steppe , photosynthesis , environmental science , respiration , global warming , climate change , atmospheric sciences , ecology , agronomy , biology , primary production , botany , geology
Background Thermal acclimation of foliar respiration and photosynthesis is critical for projection of changes in carbon exchange of terrestrial ecosystems under global warming. Methodology/Principal Findings A field manipulative experiment was conducted to elevate foliar temperature ( T leaf ) by 2.07°C in a temperate steppe in northern China. R d / T leaf curves (responses of dark respiration to T leaf ), A n / T leaf curves (responses of light-saturated net CO 2 assimilation rates to T leaf ), responses of biochemical limitations and diffusion limitations in gross CO 2 assimilation rates ( A g ) to T leaf , and foliar nitrogen (N) concentration in Stipa krylovii Roshev. were measured in 2010 (a dry year) and 2011 (a wet year). Significant thermal acclimation of R d to 6-year experimental warming was found. However, A n had a limited ability to acclimate to a warmer climate regime. Thermal acclimation of R d was associated with not only the direct effects of warming, but also the changes in foliar N concentration induced by warming. Conclusions/Significance Warming decreased the temperature sensitivity ( Q 10 ) of the response of R d / A g ratio to T leaf . Our findings may have important implications for improving ecosystem models in simulating carbon cycles and advancing understanding on the interactions between climate change and ecosystem functions.