Abstract
The effects on birch (Betula spp.) of elevated carbon dioxide (<TEX>$CO_2$</TEX>) and ozone (<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>), which are both increasing in the troposphere, are surveyed in detail based on the literature. Birches establish themselves in the open field after disturbances, and then become dominant trees in temperate or boreal forests. Ecophysiological approaches include the measurement of photosynthesis, biomass, growth, and survival of seedlings and trees. Elevated <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> levels give rise to a net enhancement of the growth of birch trees, whereas high <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> generally reduces growth. Although the effects of the two are opposed, there is also an interactive effect. Basic physiological responses of the single genus Betula to <TEX>$CO_2$</TEX> and <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> are set out, and some data are summarized regarding ecological interactions between trees, or between trees and other organisms.
Highlights
Recent changes in atmospheric composition are likely to have a large influence on forest ecosystems (Lorenz and Lal, 2010; Karnosky et al, 2003a)
Reliable data on the effects of elevated CO2 and/or O3 on forest health and vitality have come from opentop chambers (OTCs) or free-air concentration enrichment systems (FACEs), which are semi-closed and open gas-treatment systems respectively, in which plants are grown in the atmospheric conditions believed to be likely in the future (Karnosky et al, 2007)
In this review we describe the effects of elevated concentrations of CO2 and/or O3 on birch trees and forests
Summary
Recent changes in atmospheric composition are likely to have a large influence on forest ecosystems (Lorenz and Lal, 2010; Karnosky et al, 2003a). Reliable data on the effects of elevated CO2 and/or O3 on forest health and vitality have come from opentop chambers (OTCs) or free-air concentration enrichment systems (FACEs), which are semi-closed and open gas-treatment systems respectively, in which plants are grown in the atmospheric conditions believed to be likely in the future (Karnosky et al, 2007). Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are still important issues of atmospheric environment in some region, rising CO2 and O3 concentrations have recently become more major concerns (Paoletti et al, 2010). These gases have effects on forest ecosystems including birch forest all around the world. Different species of birch are all regarded as ‘birches’ and there are differences in characteristics within a genus, and even among individuals in a single species, in response to environmental changes (Vapaavuori et al, 2009)
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