Diurnal and Seasonal CO 2 Assimilation by Four Plantation Species in Taiwan
Journal
Forest Science
Journal Volume
65
Journal Issue
1
Pages
68-76
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
Afforestation sequesters carbon from atmosphere and thus is a primary strategy for mitigating global warming. To further the development and management of future plantations, this study examined the monthly CO 2 assimilation of four young broadleaf tree species to select the best performer. From December 2010 to December 2011, data were collected from a plantation in southern Taiwan, which experiences a typical tropical monsoon climate. Monthly measurements of diurnal gas exchange revealed that Melia azedarach maintained a high net photosynthesis rate during the dry season, whereas Swietenia macrophylla exhibited a low net photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance in both the dry and wet seasons. Annual CO 2 assimilation occurred primarily during summer and autumn for all species. We measured leaf area indices and generated analytical models involving light response curves to calculate canopy-level, net assimilation rate. M. azedarach, S. macrophylla, Cassia fistula, and Pterocarpus indicus assimilated 38.15, 9.65, 32.19, and 19.14 kilograms tree -1 yr -1 of CO 2 at the canopy level and 52.65, 10.33, 46.35, and 22.59 megagrams ha -1 yr -1 at the stand level, respectively. Based on our results, we recommend M. azedarach and C. fistula as the most appropriate plantation tree species for increasing carbon assimilation in monsoon climates. © 2018 Society of American Foresters.
Subjects
canopy; carbon sequestration; leaf area; light response curve; photosynthesis
Other Subjects
Atmospheric thermodynamics; Carbon; Global warming; Photosynthesis; Plants (botany); Reforestation; canopy; Carbon sequestration; Leaf area; Light response curves; Net assimilation rates; Net photosynthesis rate; Pterocarpus indicus; Stomatal conductance; Carbon dioxide; Carbon Dioxide; Photosynthesis; Pterocarpus Indicus; Reforestation; Taiwan
Type
journal article