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Effects Of 11 Years Of Co2 Enrichment On Root Biomass And Spatial Distribution In A Florida Scrub-Oak Ecosystem, Rachel Eilenfield Schroeder

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

A Florida (USA) scrub-oak ecosystem was exposed to elevated atmospheric CO₂ in open-top chambers from 1996-2007. Minirhizotrons and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were used to measure fine root (< 2 mm diameter) and coarse root (> 5 mm diameter) biomass, respectively. After 11 years of CO₂ enrichment, there was a trend of greater total root biomass under elevated CO₂. Fine root biomass exhibited a pattern of recovery and steady state throughout the study, with significant CO₂ stimulation observed only after disturbance. Greater root biomass under elevated CO₂ during recovery periods could result in greater carbon inputs belowground, alteration of the soil carbon …