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Carbon Dioxide Evolution from the Floor of an Oak-Hickory Forest¹

ABSTRACT

Carbon dioxide evolution from the floor of an oak-hickory (Quercus sp.) (Carya sp.) forest was studied. The influence of soil temperature, soil moisture, and position on a west-facing slope was evaluated on a seasonal basis. Highest evolution rates were observed during the summer and declined in the order of fall, spring, and winter. Maximum summer rates were 1.20 g/m² per hour while maximum winter rates were 0.18 g/m² per hour. Temperature was found to have its greatest limiting effect during the winter and spring while moisture was most limiting during the fall. Release of CO₂ at the lower slope position was 20% greater on a mean annual basis than at the middle and upper slope positions. Most of the CO₂ evolved from the forest floor is considered to be contributed by root respiration and associated microorganisms.

¹ Journal Paper no. 6539 of the Missouri Agr. Exp. Sta., Columbia. McIntire-Stennis Project 162. Part of a thesis submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

² Assistant Professor of Forestry, Louisiana Tech. Univ., Ruston (formerly Graduate Research Assistant, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia) and Professor of Forestry, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia, respectively.

Received for publication October 20, 1972. Accepted for publication April 16, 1973.