Diel patterns of stem CO2 efflux vary among cycads, arborescent monocots, and woody eudicots and gymnosperms

Abstract

The diel patterns of stem carbon dioxide efflux (Es) were determined for cycads, monocots, and woody eudicot and gymnosperm tree species. Stem Es at a height of 30–40 cm was measured every 2 h throughout 31-h campaigns. Our range of Es was 1.5–4.0 µmol·m−2·s−1 for cycads, 1.0–3.5 µmol·m−2·s−1 for arborescent monocots, and 1.5–4.5 µmol·m−2·s−1 for woody eudicot and gymnosperm trees species. Time of day did not influence Es of cycads or monocots. In contrast, the woody stems of eudicots and gymnosperms exhibited diurnal Es that was 36% to 40% greater than nocturnal Es. The established literature based on Es of woody tree species cannot be used to estimate habitat carbon cycles in habitats which contain cycad or monocot trees. Time of day must be included for accuracy of research on Es of woody tree species. Failures to account for the spatiotemporal differences of Es may explain some of the disparity in outcomes of published stem respiration studies.