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In situ measurements of carbon dioxide gradients in a soil-plant-atmosphere system

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Summary

In order to more fully understand carbon dioxide dynamics in a soil-plant-atmosphere system, an in situ sampling technique has been developed to measure carbon dioxide concentration within the soil profile as well as in the atmosphere. Gas samples are automatically pumped in sequence from six porous collectors within the soil profile and five aboveground inlets through an infrared gas analyzer. Field measurements in a first year field, indicated that carbon dioxide concentrations reached a maximum value (∼1800 ppm) in the deepest soil sampling site (-180 cm). Temporal and spatial variations of carbon dioxide concentration were related to the development of root and vegetation structure as well as the position of the groundwater table.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Illinois, 61801, Urbana, Illinois

    Diane M. Schwartz & F. A. Bazzaz

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  1. Diane M. Schwartz
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  2. F. A. Bazzaz
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Supported, in part, by a grant from the Graduate Research Board. We acknowledge, with thanks, the competent assistance of Frank W. Schwartz.

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Schwartz, D.M., Bazzaz, F.A. In situ measurements of carbon dioxide gradients in a soil-plant-atmosphere system. Oecologia 12, 161–167 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345515

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345515

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