Radial Growth Rate Increases in Naturally Occurring Ponderosa Pine Trees: A Late-20th Century CO2 Fertilization Effect?
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Peter T. Soule' Ph.D., Professor (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
Abstract: The primary objective of this study was to determine if gradually increasing levels of atmospheric CO2, as opposed to ‘step’ increases commonly employed in controlled studies, have a positive impact on radial growth rates of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) in natural environments, and to determine the spatial extent and variability of this growth enhancement. We developed a series of tree-ring chronologies from minimally disturbed sites across a spectrum of environmental conditions. A series of difference of means tests were used to compare radial growth post-1950, when the impacts of rising atmospheric CO2 are best expressed, with that pre-1950. Spearman’s correlation was used to relate site stress to growth-rate changes. Significant increases in radial growth rates occurred post-1950, especially during drought years, with the greatest increases generally found at the most water-limited sites. Site harshness is positively related to enhanced radial growth rates. Atmospheric CO2 fertilization is probably operative, having a positive effect on radial growth rates of ponderosa pine through increasing water-use efficiency. A CO2-driven growth enhancement may affect ponderosa pine growing under both natural and controlled conditions.
Radial Growth Rate Increases in Naturally Occurring Ponderosa Pine Trees: A Late-20th Century CO2 Fertilization Effect?
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Peter T. Soulé and Paul A. Knapp (2006) "Radial Growth Rate Increases in Naturally Occurring Ponderosa Pine Trees: A Late-20th Century CO2 Fertilization Effect?" New Phytologist Volume 171 pp.379-390 Version of Record Available from (www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
- Language: English
- Date: 2006
- Keywords
- CO2 fertilization, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), site harshness, drought, interior Paci?c Northwest