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Biotic Regulation of CO2 Uptake–Climate Responses: Links to Vegetation Properties

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Abstract

Identifying the plant traits and patterns of trait distribution in communities that are responsible for biotic regulation of CO2 uptake–climate responses remains a priority for modeling terrestrial C dynamics. We used remotely sensed estimates of gross primary productivity (GPP) from plots planted to different combinations of perennial grassland species in order to determine links between traits and GPP–climate relationships. Climatic variables explained about 50% of the variance in temporal trends in GPP despite large variation in CO2 uptake among seasons, years, and plots of differing composition. GPP was highly correlated with contemporary changes in net radiation (Rn) and precipitation deficit (potential evapotranspiration minus precipitation) but was negatively correlated with precipitation summed over 210 days prior to flux measurements. Plots differed in GPP–Rn and GPP–water (deficit, precipitation) relationships. Accounting for differences in GPP–climate relationships explained an additional 11% of variance in GPP. Plot differences in GPP–Rn and GPP–precipitation slopes were linked to differences in community-level light-use efficiency (GEE*). Plot differences in GPP–deficit slopes were linked to differences in a species abundance-weighted index of specific leaf area (SLA). GEE* and weighted SLA represent vegetation properties that may regulate how CO2 uptake responds to climatic variation in grasslands.

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Acknowledgements

Field and laboratory assistance from Katherine Jones and Chris Kolodziejczyk was invaluable. This work was partially funded by the USDA-NIFA via Grant 2014-67003-22067. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not imply endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Grassland, Soil & Water Research Laboratory, USDA–Agricultural Research Service, Temple, Texas, 76502, USA

    H. Wayne Polley, Anne E. Gibson & Philip A. Fay

  2. Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, 251 Bessey Hall, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA

    Brian J. Wilsey

Authors
  1. H. Wayne Polley
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  2. Anne E. Gibson
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  3. Philip A. Fay
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  4. Brian J. Wilsey
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Correspondence to H. Wayne Polley.

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Author contributions

HWP conceived the study and analyzed data; AEG, PAF, BJW, and HWP collected data and participated in writing the manuscript.

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10021_2016_9_MOESM1_ESM.tif

Supplemental Fig. 1. Structural equation modeling was used to assess direct and indirect effects of vegetation properties on slopes of gross primary productivity-precipitation deficit (GPP-deficit) regressions for grassland plots of differing species composition (χ2 = 0.005, P = 0.94, df = 1). The GPP-deficit slope was regulated by community-weighted means of specific leaf area (SLA) via both a direct pathway and indirect pathways through community-weighted means of specific leaf N (SLN) and 3-year average of the seasonal maximum of community GPP (GPPmax). Standardized coefficients are listed beside each path. Supplementary material 1 (TIFF 137 kb)

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Polley, H.W., Gibson, A.E., Fay, P.A. et al. Biotic Regulation of CO2 Uptake–Climate Responses: Links to Vegetation Properties. Ecosystems 19, 1376–1385 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-016-0009-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-016-0009-8

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