Chamber measurements of CO2 exchange in different wetland sites in Biebrza National Park, Poland

Abstract

Peatlands have historically functioned as important sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Understanding the environmental drivers behind spatial and temporal variation in CO2 flux is therefore crucial for estimation of current carbon balances and forecasting the impact of climate warming. We present preliminary results of CO2 flux measurements in peatland habitats in the area of Biebrza National Park, Poland. The purpose of the study was to obtain a first season of estimates of CO2 exchange, and evaluate how fluxes depended on meteorological and biophysical conditions. Daytime measurements of NEE and ecosystem respiration (Reco) were performed by a static chamber method between the end of April and September in 2010. Following parameters: soil moisture, leaf area index (LAI), and biomass were also measured. Altogether, the studied peatlands had a mean seasonal NEE of –156 mg CO2·m·h (a negative value indicates ecosystem uptake). We observed that the largest net uptake of CO2 occurred during the field campaigns in spring and early autumn. Average NEE measured in these periods approximate –600 and –340 mg CO2·m·h, respectively. A net loss of CO2 was instead observed in the middle of the summer, when rates of Reco also peaked. We found apparent relationships between the variation of daily air temperature, soil moisture, and CO2 fluxes on the basis of campaign mean values. The switch from average net uptake to net release of CO2 in midseason is suggested caused by a combination of factors, including warm temperatures, drier soil conditions, and loss of biomass by mowing.