Grassland biogeochemistry: Links to atmospheric processes
Schimel, D. S. ; Parton, W. J. ; Kittel, T. G. F. ; Ojima, D. S. ; Cole, C. V.
Springer
Published 1990
Springer
Published 1990
| ISSN: |
1573-1480
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| Source: |
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
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| Topics: |
Geosciences
Physics
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| Notes: |
Abstract Regional modeling is an essential step in scaling plot measurements of biogeochemical cycling to global scales for use in coupled atmosphere-biosphere studies. We present a model of carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry for the U.S. Central Grasslands region based on laboratory, field, and modeling studies. Model simulations of the geography of C and N biogeochemistry adequately fit observed data. Model results show geographic patterns of cycling rates and element storage to be a complex function of the interaction of climatic and soil properties. The model also includes regional trace gas simulation, providing a link between studies of atmospheric geochemistry and ecosystem function. The model simulates nitrogenous trace gas emission rates as a function of N turnover and indicates that they are variable across the grasslands. We studied effects of changing climate using information from a global climate model. Simulations showed that increases in temperature and associated changes in precipitation caused increases in decomposition and long-term emission of Co2 from grassland soils. Nutrient release associated with the loss of soil organic matter caused increases in net primary production, demonstrating that nutrient interactions are a major control over vegetation response to climate change.
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| Type of Medium: |
Electronic Resource
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| URL: |