Carbon dioxide exchange in a peatland ecosystem

Abstract

Micrometeorological measurements of carbon dioxide exchange were made in an open peatland in north central Minnesota during two growing seasons (1991 and 1992). The vegetation at the site was dominated by Sphagnum papillosum, Scheuchzeria palustris, and Chamaedaphne calyculata. The objective of the study was to examine the diurnal and seasonal variations in canopy photosynthesis (P) and develop information on the net ecosystem CO 2 exchange. The two seasons provided contrasting microclimatic conditions: as compared with 1991, the 1992 season was significantly wetter and cooler. Canopy photosynthesis was sensitive to changes in light, temperature, and moisture stress (as indicated by water table depth and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit). Under moderate conditions (temperature 18–28°C, vapor pressure deficit 0.7–1.5 kPa, and water table near the surface) during the peak growth period, midday (averaged between 1000–1400 hours) P values ranged from 0.15 to 0.24 mg m−2 s−1. Under high‐temperature (30°–34°C) and moisture stress (water table 0.16–0.23 m below the surface and vapor pressure deficit 2.2–3.0 kPa) conditions, midday P was reduced to about 0.03–0.06 mg m−2 s−1. There was a high degree of consistency in the values of P under similar conditions in the two seasons. Seasonally integrated values of the daily net ecosystem CO 2 exchange indicated that the study site was a source of atmospheric CO 2, releasing about 71 g C m−2 over a 145‐day period (May‐October) in 1991. Over a similar period in 1992, however, this ecosystem was a sink for atmospheric CO 2 with a net accumulation of about 32 g C m−2. These results are consistent with previous investigations on CO 2 exchange in other northern wetland sites during wet and dry periods.