Research report 2011 - Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

Studies on the role of vegetation exchanging nitrogen dioxide with the atmosphere

Authors
Kesselmeier, Jürgen
Departments
Biogeochemie (Meinrat O. Andreae)
Summary
The exchange of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) between vegetation and the atmosphere was studied with six tree species under controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, two tree species were investigated under field conditions. Uptake was found to be strongly correlated with plant stomatal aperture (conductance). Upon stomatal closure uptake was decreasing to zero. Uptake rates exhibited a linear dependency with the ambient NO2 concentration. The data contradict the existence of a compensation point for natural ecosystems and underline the role of vegetation as a sink for this trace gas.

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