Abstract
A system is described for measuring in situ CO2 evolution rates from forest soil. The apparatus incorporates an infrared gas analyzer with open air flow through 10 chambers which sequentially lower over the forest floor during measurements and raise after measurements are complete. Unlike methods using stationary chambers, this system allows litter and soil horizons to undergo a natural drying cycle. Litter moisture under stationary chambers was 76 % of dry weight at the end of a 3-day sample period as compared to 40 % under moving chambers and 39 % in control plots. Carbon dioxide evolution rates from plots enclosed by stationary chambers ranged from 54 to 90 % higher than those from moving chamber plots. Effects of such discrepancies in calculating the carbon balance of forest ecosystems are discussed. Application of the moving chamber apparatus in monitoring gaseous losses from biodegradable waste such as by-products of petroleum is also discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
