Origins of the determinants of the variations in trunk CO2 efflux of trees in a tropical rainforest
Résumé
In tropical rainforests, the origin of the interspecific variability in trunk CO2 efflux (Et) and of seasonal variations in Et have not yet been explained. We conducted a study to test which biotic and abiotic determinants would contribute to these variations. Et and a set of wood anatomical and functional characteristics were measured on trees in two habitats (Terra Firme forest vs. seasonal flooded forest) in a Neotropical rainforest over a 18-months' period including a range of climatic and soil water conditions. The large variability in Et (0.33 to 3.15 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 in Terra Firme forest) was associated with tree diameter and growth respiration (Eg), although maintenance respiration (Em) was the main component of Et. Neither wood properties nor sapflow density were correlated with trunk CO2 efflux. The large seasonal variations in Et were correlated with diameter growth and surface soil water content (SWC). These data underlined the absence of clearly identified biotic determinants, beside growth, to explain the interspecific variability in Et. We emphasized the fast response of growth and maintenance respiration processes to seasonal variations in SWC that potentially has consequences on the carbon cycle in the ecosystem under upcoming climatic changes.