Seasonal and diurnal variations in soil respiration rates at a treeline ecotone and a lower distribution limit of subalpine forests.

Abstract

This study examined the seasonal and diurnal variations in soil respiration rates (RS) during a growing season at the treeline ecotone (2,800m) and the lower distribution limit (1,600m) of subalpine forests on a volcanic mountain in Japan. The aboveground biomass, the total RS during the growing season, and the RS per day during the growing season were lower at 2,800m than those at 1,600m. Seasonal RS variations positively correlated with those of soil and air temperatures at both elevations, and this tendency was more apparent at 1,600m than 2,800m. The mean volumetric soil water content (WS) during the growing season was much lower at 2,800m than 1,600m because of the scoria substrate at 2,800m. The monthly mean diel cycle of RS was positively correlated with the soil temperature at each elevation every month, whereas that at 1,600m was negatively correlated with that of the WS. The RS at 2,800m decreased during the daytime especially in August, despite no changes in the WS. The decrease in RS after precipitation at 1,600m was higher than that at 2,800m. Seasonal and diurnal RS variations could be reproduced from soil and air temperatures, and WS. Estimating soil respiration rate from these variables will help understand the future carbon budget of forests due to global warming.