Abstract
Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) are trace gases other than CO2 and CH4 produced and emitted by the biosphere, where the amounts released depend on climatic factors such as temperature and solar irradiation. However, interpretation of leaf-level measurements is currently hampered by factors such as large within-genotypic variability, measurement height and time in the season. A campaign was performed between June and August in 2013 in Taastrup, Denmark to study these uncertainties. BVOC emissions were measured from leaves and needles at heights of 2 m, 5.5m and 12.5m in the canopy and for seven trees; four Norway spruces (Picea abies) of which two trees had a budburst approximately a week before the other two, two English oaks (Quercus robur) and one European beech (Fagus sylvatica). Differences in chemical composition and emission strength between June and August were observed between the different trees. English oak's main compound isoprene increased from 62-74%of the total emission in June to approximately 97% in August, which is linked to leaf development over the summer season. The total emission from all measured spruce trees decreased from July to August, but without a loss in the diversity of emitted compounds. The trees showed indications of drought stress as there was a period without precipitation lasting 21 days during the study. There were no differences in emission patterns within all of the measured Norway spruces. For measurement height, there was only a significant difference in emission pattern for European beech as the top of the canopy emitted 7-9 times more in relation to lower canopy levels. Our results suggest there was little within-genotype variability and the wide spacing between trees had an influence on the individual emission patterns. These results are important in order to understand the significance of within-genotypic variation, canopy height and seasonal development in relation to the emission patterns of the selected species. Furthermore, it will provide helpful insights for modelers who wish to improve their emission estimates. (Less)
Highlights
Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) are a large number of trace gases other than CO2 and CH4 which are involved in a range of environmental processes in the atmosphere (Guenther et al, 1993; Kesselmeier and Staudt, 1999; Beerling et al, 2007)
We examine BVOC emission patterns from three common European tree species, using genetically identical individuals grown under natural conditions
Isoprene contributed to approximately 79 % of the total average BVOC emission, with a maximum emission of 51 μg gdw−1 h−1
Summary
Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOCs) are a large number of trace gases other than CO2 and CH4 which are involved in a range of environmental processes in the atmosphere (Guenther et al, 1993; Kesselmeier and Staudt, 1999; Beerling et al, 2007). Some of the most prominent and studied BVOC groups are the isoprenoids, such as isoprene (C5H8), monoterpenes (C10H16) and sesquiterpenes (C15H24). From the naturally occurring trees in Europe, isoprene is mainly emitted by deciduous trees such as oak, aspen and willow whilst monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes are emitted mainly by coniferous species such as spruce and pine (Kesselmeier and Staudt, 1999). BVOCs are produced in various plant tissues. Some plant species are able to store BVOCs, whilst others release all compounds once they have been produced.
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