Elevated CO₂ compensates for water stress in northern red oak

Abstract

Global climate change models predict decreased rainfall in association with elevated CO₂ in the western Lakes States region. Currently, the western edge of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) distribution coincides with the most xeric conditions of its ecological range. Decreased rainfall and water availability could alter ecological fitness and distribution. To better understand how climate change may affect this species, we are examining the interaction of CO₂ (400, 520, 700 ppm CO₂) with water stress (well-watered and water-stressed) on growth, and carbon and nitrogen metabolism of northern red oak seedlings through three flushes of development. In this report, we focus on growth, photosynthetic rate, and nitrogen responses to these stresses in three-flush seedlings.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, 1995 meeting of the Northern Global Change Program; 1995 March 14-16; Pittsburgh, PA. : Introduction/Environmental Change

Citation

Tomlinson, Patricia T.; Anderson, Paul D. 1996. Elevated CO₂ compensates for water stress in northern red oak. In: Hom, John; Birdsey, Richard; O''Brian, Kelly, eds. Proceedings 1995 meeting of the northern global change program; Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-214. Radnor, PA: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station: 32.