Harvard Forest Research

Long Term Soil Respiration

Principal Investigator: Eric Davidson
Woods Hole Research Center: Jun 01 2005 - Jan 01 2010:

Abstract:
Soil respiration, which is the combination of respiration by roots and by soil microorganisms, is an important component of the annual carbon balance of forests. We have been measuring rates of soil respiration, temperature and moisture since 1995. This long-term record allows us to examine both seasonal and annual variations in respiration rates and to relate those variations to temperature and soil moisture content. Understanding environmental controls on soil respiration helps us to understand how potential changes in climate may affect soil respiration and the exchange of carbon between the forest and the atmosphere. Research related website is http://www.whrc.org/science/neforest/neforest.htm.
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