Abstract
Gross primary production (GPP) is a fundamental ecosystem process that sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2) and forms the resource base for higher trophic levels. Still, the relative contribution of different controls on GPP at the whole-ecosystem scale is far from resolved. Here we show, by manipulating CO2 concentrations in large-scale experimental pond ecosystems, that CO2 availability is a key driver of whole-ecosystem GPP. This result suggests we need to reformulate past conceptual models describing controls of lake ecosystem productivity and include our findings when developing models used to predict future lake ecosystem responses to environmental change.
Highlights
Gross primary production (GPP) is a fundamental ecosystem process that sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2) and forms the resource base for higher trophic levels
We carried out a large-scale experiment to test the role of CO2 availability for whole-ecosystem GPP
The GPP and CO2 concentration in control ponds were relatively high under ice compared to after ice break-up in spring (Figs 1, 2)
Summary
Mohammed Hamdan[1], Pär Byström[1], Erin R. By manipulating CO2 concentrations in large-scale experimental pond ecosystems, that CO2 availability is a key driver of whole-ecosystem GPP. This result suggests we need to reformulate past conceptual models describing controls of lake ecosystem productivity and include our findings when developing models used to predict future lake ecosystem responses to environmental change. The role of CO2 availability for whole-ecosystem GPP, especially in shallow lakes where both pelagic and benthic GPP may contribute significantly to whole-ecosystem GPP, has never been tested[9]. We carried out a large-scale experiment to test the role of CO2 availability for whole-ecosystem GPP. Whole-ecosystem GPP was estimated using dissolved oxygen time series data, and potential abiotic and biotic drivers of GPP were monitored over the course of the experiment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
