Abstract

The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 on leaf morphology, biochemistry and physiology of three year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings. Experimental facilities included four open top chambers (OTC), representing two replicated CO2 treatments, ambient (ca. 350 μmol mol−1, the current background level) and elevated CO2 (ambient + 350 μmol mol−1). Trees outside the OTC were considered the control plot. Scots pine seedlings grown in elevated CO2 for one growing season exhibited a positive response to elevated CO2 conditions in this study, showing higher photosynthetic rates, higher chlorophyll, nitrogen and carbon concentrations, an unchanged C/N ratio, increased needle and dry mass per unit leaf area. Leaf nitrogen concentrations increased when expressed on an area basis, but not when on a mass basis.

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