Research Seminar - Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

Seminar abstract:

Elevated atmospheric [CO2] will undoubtedly affect the metabolism of tropical forests worldwide; however, critical aspects of how tropical forests will respond remain largely unknown. Modelling studies have indicated that elevated [CO2] can potentially stimulate photosynthesis more in the tropics than at higher latitudes, because suppression of photorespiration by elevated [CO2] increases with temperature.

However, canopy leaves in tropical forests could also potentially reach a high temperature threshold under elevated [CO2] that will moderate the rise in photosynthesis. Water-use efficiency will increase as atmospheric [CO2] rises, potentially impacting upon soil moisture status and nutrient availability.

Recruitment may be differentially altered for some functional groups, potentially decreasing ecosystem carbon storage. Whole-forest CO2 enrichment experiments are urgently needed to test predictions of tropical forest functioning under elevated [CO2]. Smaller scale experiments in the understory and in gaps would also be informative, and could provide stepping stones toward stand-scale manipulations.

For more information on Dr Cernusak, please visit https://researchers.anu.edu.au/researchers/cernusak-la

The seminar will be followed by drinks and nibbles available in the foyer of L9 – all are welcome! No RSVP is required, we hope to see you all there.