Ecosystem carbon storage in arctic tundra reduced by long-term nutrient fertilization
Mack, MC; Schuur, EA; Bret-Harte, MS; Shaver, GR; Chapin, FS, III
HERO ID
89312
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
2004
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 89312 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2004 |
| Title | Ecosystem carbon storage in arctic tundra reduced by long-term nutrient fertilization |
| Authors | Mack, MC; Schuur, EA; Bret-Harte, MS; Shaver, GR; Chapin, FS, III |
| Journal | Nature |
| Volume | 431 |
| Issue | 7007 |
| Page Numbers | 440-443 |
| Abstract | Global warming is predicted to be most pronounced at high latitudes, and observational evidence over the past 25 years suggests that this warming is already under way. One-third of the global soil carbon pool is stored in northern latitudes, so there is considerable interest in understanding how the carbon balance of northern ecosystems will respond to climate warming. Observations of controls over plant productivity in tundra and boreal ecosystems have been used to build a conceptual model of response to warming, where warmer soils and increased decomposition of plant litter increase nutrient availability, which, in turn, stimulates plant production and increases ecosystem carbon storage. Here we present the results of a long-term fertilization experiment in Alaskan tundra, in which increased nutrient availability caused a net ecosystem loss of almost 2,000 grams of carbon per square meter over 20 years. We found that annual aboveground plant production doubled during the experiment. Losses of carbon and nitrogen from deep soil layers, however, were substantial and more than offset the increased carbon and nitrogen storage in plant biomass and litter. Our study suggests that projected release of soil nutrients associated with high-latitude warming may further amplify carbon release from soils, causing a net loss of ecosystem carbon and a positive feedback to climate warming. |
| Doi | 10.1038/nature02887 |
| Pmid | 15386009 |
| Wosid | WOS:000224000500037 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Comments | ECRIB.Nature (London, U.K.) 431: 440-443. |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Is Peer Review | Yes |