Potential transformation of CO2 fertilization effect on forest production in the northeastern United States with climate change
Xinyuan Wei, University of Maine, xwei4@buffalo.edu (Presenter)
Daniel Hayes, University of Maine, daniel.j.hayes@maine.edu
Forests are critical ecosystems in Maine for sequestering atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis, a process strongly affected by climate conditions and CO2 fertilization. The interactions between these variables are complex and dynamic, reflecting the delicate balance of forest ecosystems. However, this dynamic equilibrium is susceptible to transformation due to climate change and rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations, leading to changes in the carbon sequestration capacity of forests. In this study, we used forest inventories, flux-tower measurements, and processed-based model estimates to investigate the primary factor correlated with forest production in Maine. Additionally, we assessed the influence of climate change and rising atmospheric CO2 concentration on this dynamic equilibrium. Our findings emphasize that the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is the primary factor correlated with forest production. A surge in CO2 concentration can boost the production of forest ecosystems in Maine. However, climate warming potentially reduces the forest carbon storage in Maine. In addition, as atmospheric CO2 concentration continues to rise, temperature will act as a significant limitation, inhibiting the CO2 fertilization effect. Nevertheless, global warming might help to mitigate this limitation and rising atmospheric CO2 concentration will enhance forest productivity.
Associated Project(s):
Poster Location ID: 6
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Poster Session 1
Session Date: Wednesday (9/27) 1:15 PM