While atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) continues to rise, the question of how tree carbon allocation is affected by this change remains. Studies show that carbon assimilation increases under elevated CO2 (eCO2). Yet, no detailed study determined the fate of the surplus carbon, i.e., its compartment and physiological process allocation, nor in multiple species together.
In this project we grew 2-year old saplings of four key Mediterranean tree species (the conifers Cupressus sempervirens and Pinus halepensis, and the broadleaf Quercus calliprinos and Ceratonia siliqua) to [CO2] levels of 400 or 700 ppm for 6 months. We measured the allocation of carbon to below- and above-ground growth, respiration, root exudation, storage, and leaf litter. Additionally, we monitored intrinsic water-use efficiency, soil moisture, soil chemistry, and nutrient uptake.
Net assimilation, water-use efficiency, and soil nitrogen uptake significantly increased at eCO2 across the four species. Broadleaf species showed soil water savings which were absent in conifers. All other effects were species-specific: Cupressus had higher leaf respiration; Pinus had lower starch in branches and transiently higher exudation rate; and Quercus had higher root respiration. eCO2 did not affect growth, nor litter production.
Our results are pivotal to understanding the sensitivity of tree carbon allocation to the change in [CO2] when water is abundant. Species-specific responses should be regarded cautiously when predicting future changes in forest function at a higher CO2 world.