DO ARCTIC PLANT-SOIL COMMUNITIES ACCLIMATE TO LONG TERM ELEVATED CO2 EXPOSURE?
Lead Research Organisation:
Aberystwyth University
Department Name: IBERS
Abstract
Concentrations of greenhouse gases are rising as a result of continued industrial activity with consequences for our future climate. The biosphere has been suggested as a significant factor mitigating atmospheric change, through its capacity to respond to this change by sequestering additional carbon. Key to our understanding and evaluation of these processes is knowledge about the extent to which ecosystems acclimate to elevated CO2. Some research has indicated only short-term growth responses to elevated CO2, but these studies have often focussed on production responses ignoring more subtle shifts in whole ecosystem function. Even where acclimation has occurred, it is important to determine whether any new state of equilibrium results in altered ecosystem function, especially with regard to C loss or gain. Arctic ecosystems are of critical importance to global conservation and store up to one-third of global soil carbon reserves. Their stability under future atmospheric CO2 scenarios will have major influences on global biodiversity and warming. In this study we want to test whether arctic plant communities do not acclimate fully even with extended exposure to elevated CO2, that below-ground responses lag those above-ground and that exposure to elevated CO2 has a cumulative effect on ecosystem properties that influence ecosystem stability, resistance and resilience. As a result of anthropogenic gaseous emissions, the climate of Arctic regions is likely to alter, in particular with regard to temperature and precipitation. These changes, and other periodic perturbations will challenge the stability of current vegetation and soil microbial processes. Sub-arctic heath systems are also subject to periodic mass herbivory events, for example due to mass infestation by the moth Epirrita autumnata. We will therefore investigate field responses (leaf regrowth and soil respiration) to a simulated defoliation event. In a controlled environment facility, we will also investigate whether variations in soil temperature and moisture content will interact with the future capacity of Arctic soils to retain sequestered C under future elevated CO2. The information from this research programme is vital if we are to be able to make effective management decisions based on improved predictions from climate models. Specifically, the extent to which whole ecosystems acclimate to elevated CO2 is a key area of uncertainty in predicting and modelling future scenarios. Research findings will also significantly advance our understanding of the stability of Arctic ecosystems to perturbations under future climate change and important potential impacts on global biodiversity impacts.
People |
ORCID iD |
Dylan Jones (Principal Investigator) | |
John Scullion (Co-Investigator) |
Publications
Bussell JS
(2012)
Above- and below-ground responses of Calamagrostis purpurea to UV-B radiation and elevated CO2 under phosphorus limitation.
in Physiologia plantarum
Comont D
(2012)
UV responses of Lolium perenne raised along a latitudinal gradient across Europe: a filtration study
in Physiologia Plantarum
Gwynn-Jones D
(2015)
INTERACT Stories of Arctic Science
Gwynn-Jones D
(2012)
Enhanced UV-B and elevated CO(2) impacts sub-arctic shrub berry abundance, quality and seed germination.
in Ambio
Hill R
(2015)
Temporal and spatial influences incur reconfiguration of A rctic heathland soil bacterial community structure
in Environmental Microbiology
Jones A
(2016)
The functional quality of decomposing litter outputs from an Arctic plant community is affected by long-term exposure to enhanced UV-B
in Ecological Indicators
Jones AG
(2012)
Carbon spenders or savers in a CO2-rich world?
in NERC Planet Earth
Jones AG
(2014)
Completing the FACE of elevated CO2 research.
in Environment international
Jones AG
(2011)
Soils as carbon sinks or sources: from mid-Wales to the Arctic
in IBERS Knowledge Based Innovations
Description | 1. Introduction - The core experiment was based is located in sub-Arctic heath near the Abisko Research Station (68oN), in Northern Sweden. Subsidiary investigations were undertaken on adjacent heath and at Aberystwyth University. The importance of this research is illustrated by the meta-analysis carried out as part of the project (Jones et al., 2014). Boreal regions are under-represented in elevated CO2 (eCO2) research and below-ground impacts are often not considered. 2. Current plant characteristics - Shoot length measurements for the dominant dwarf shrub species were disrupted by severe insect herbivory in 2012 and 2013 but not in 2104. In 2014 eCO2 did not affect above ground growth of the dwarf shrubs or shoot and root N/C concentrations in 2014 but N concentrations varied between species and root type. Vaccinium vitis-idaea cover was reduced at eCO2. eCO2 caused marked increases in coarse root mass in 2014. Since coarse roots accounted for ~ 25% of the soil mass, this response represents a significant C sink. Coarse roots may represent cumulative long-term effects of eCO2 whereas fine roots may reflect more recent responses. 3. Soil C amounts and form - In bulk soil samples (2014) eCO2 had no significant effect on microbial biomass-C, dissolved-C or respired C. The absence of any eCO2 effect suggests that the coarse root fraction did not interact with more labile C pools. In a short-term study, roots of Calamagrostis purpurea changed composition in response to eCO2 and rhizosphere leachate pH decreased; secondary root frequency was also higher. Roots responded to eCO2 by enhancing nutrient acquisition capacity. 4. Photosynthate transfers - Much of the additional C fixed at eCO2 has been allocated to coarse roots, whose high C:N ratio would favour their persistence. C isotope data broadly support this interpretation. 5. Net species and ecosystem C exchanges - Gas fluxes measured in 2012 and 2013, but not in 2011, were seriously affected by defoliation (larvae of Epirrita autumnata). Whereas earlier monitoring indicated that eCO2 increased photosynthesis, in 2012 net ecosystem exchange and community photosynthesis was significantly lower. Findings suggest increased retention of C under stress at eCO2. 6. Ecosystem stability in response to perturbations - We used artificial defoliation, natural defoliation (caused by outbreak), enhanced UV-B and installation of root ingrowth tubes to look at system resilience. Defoliation resulted in a reduction in ecosystem respiration and an impact on soil enzymes. The dominant species Empetrum hermaphroditum was identified as central to soil C dynamics in this system. For root ingrowth tubes eCO2 increased root biomass and, total and fungal PLFAs (phospholipid fatty acids) but only at enhanced UV-B. Summary of key outcomes: a) Highlighted the global relevance of key questions in the journal Environment International. b) Evidence that long-term exposure to elevated CO2 continues to stimulate photosynthesis with additional carbon sequestered into coarse roots. c) Produced ten publications (others in prep) and 30 direct engagement activities. d) Stimulated further funding application on the commercial relevance of this research by developing partnerships with industry and even further funding. |
Exploitation Route | This research investigated the long-term effects of elevated concentrations of CO2 on the carbon dynamics of sub-arctic heath communities. Findings will be of interest to a significant academic audience, as the research is unique in looking simultaneously at all the major aspects of carbon dynamics in the heath. This study comprehensively monitored aspects of plant productivity, canopy gas exchange, microbial diversity, soil respiration and future ecosystem stability. The research outcomes will provide invaluable information for increasing the accuracy and predictive power of global climate models (GCMs), with respect to climate-atmosphere-soil interactions in these globally extensive biomes. Current GCMs contain relatively unsophisticated parameterisation of soil-plant components, and their responses to climate change. Published outcomes will feed directly to a range of international scientific panels and networks including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, UNEP Millennium Assessment (Ecosystems' Polar), International Arctic Science Committee, Interface and the International Conferences on Arctic Research Planning and others. The findings from this research will also be of interest to policy makers and managers in regions of the UK and EU. The research has relevance in terms of the ecosystem services of particular habitats including upland peat and heath systems and the positive value of C conservation. |
Sectors | Environment |
Description | This research has produced output that will be of international relevance in the future as it targets the contribution of existing ecosystems in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In the shorter term it used engagement to impact on individuals, schools and society to make the public and policy makers aware of the importance of the questions addressed via this research. The longer term aim is that outcomes impact and influence these sectors, particularly policy. Further research leading to potential commercial outcomes have emerged from this initial research. This will introduce its own impacts and if realised could provide economic benefits to the UK. |
First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
Sector | Energy,Environment |
Impact Types | Cultural Economic |
Description | NERC Pathway to Impact - Commercial evaluation of a device for collection and control of carbon dioxide: solving the CO2 supply challenge. |
Amount | £15,853 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/J016446/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2012 |
End | 01/2013 |
Description | Presentation by Alan Jones at CEH Lancaster (29th November 2012) |
Organisation | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Alan Jones presented at 'Plant-soil interaction and global change' meeting CEH, Lancaster 29/11/2012 |
Collaborator Contribution | Presentations and interactions |
Impact | Joint publications |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Telephone conference for collaboration with Mark Reed - key Stakeholder in Uplands for Carbon Capture meeting 10/02/2012 |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Department | Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaboration RE: stakeholder meeting. |
Collaborator Contribution | Interaction pre and post meetings on Carbon Capture - contribution to meeting output |
Impact | Carpon capture - uplands report |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | BBC Radio Cymru interview of Dylan Gwynn-Jones on berry work featured in Ambio Paper (22/08/2012) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Talk did spark discussion later with a member of the public Increased requests for more similar interviews on other topics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | BBC Radio Cymru interview on Uplands for Carbon Capture meeting 25th of May 2012 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interviewed live on radio with questions on the uplands and carbon. Several people (members of the public) commented that they had heard the interview and asked subsequent questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones - Science cafe event on global change and carbon at Aberystwyth University (April 2013) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Many questions presented plus discussion of topic Subsequent discussions with individuals (researcher) from different fields of research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones - article 'Looking through the green marble' published on the UKPSF website (http://blog.plantsci.org.uk/looking-green-marble/ 12/08/2012) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Responses to article - Twitter / E-mail Responses to article - Twitter / E-mail Alan Jones asked to become British Ecological Society representative for UK Plant Science Federation. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones - presented at UV4Growth conference, Girona, Spain April 2012 -'Effects of elevated UVB and species dominance on enzymatic decomposition processes in a subArctic heath' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Talk described results from research site and sparked questions about decomposition and nutrient cycling. After talk contact from research group in Girona Spain asking for details of methods used. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones attended annual meeting of the UK Plant Science Federation as representative of the British Ecological Society, presenting on the grant and Upland soil restoration, 05/11/2012 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion afterwards Some good interactions and questions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered - Plants, CO2 and Climate: what is the connection? (Workshop delivered to Penweddig School 4/11/2011) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion / questions School eager for similar future presentations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered - Plants, CO2 and Climate: what is the connection? (Workshop to Aberaeron School 18/10/2011) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked questions / discussion School eager for future similar presentations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered - Plants, CO2 and Climate: what is the connection? (Workshop to Dyffryn Teifi School 17/10/2011) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Workshop sparked discussions / questions School eager for similar future presentations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered - Plants, CO2 and Climate: what is the connection? (Workshop to Penglais School 7/10/2011) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion and several questions Requests for future similar presentations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered - Plants, CO2 and Climate: what is the connection? (two workshops presented to Lampeter school, 3/10/2011 ) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion / questions School was eager to host future similar presentations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered - Plants, CO2 and Climate: what is the connection? (two workshops to Tregaron School 6/10/2011) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion / questions School eager for future similar presentations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered a workshop: From a plastic cow to greenhouse gas emissions (Penglais School 15/10/12) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion / questions School eager for future similar presentations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones delivered a workshop: From a plastic cow to greenhouse gas emissions(Aberaeron School 15/11/12) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion / questions School eager for similar future presentation |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Dr. Alan Jones hosted a US diplomatic party visit to the Abisko experiment, including US Dep Sec State Balton 16/05/13 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presentation stimulated discussion and several questions about the research site, outcomes etc Thanks was expressed for the excellent presentation and discussions. Further groups have subsequently visited the research stations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Dr. Dylan Gwynn Jones and Dr. Alan Jones delivered a workshop: From a plastic cow to greenhouse gas emissions (Penweddig school 17/10/12) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion / questions School eager for future similar presentations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | Dr. Dylan Gwynn-Jones Interviewed by Norrlandska Socialdemokraten newspaper in Sweden (NSD) - 14/07/13 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Front page of NSD newspaper 15th July 2013 "Koldioxideffekten ger nyttigare bar" - Carbon dioxide produces better berries. Response from members of the public who had read the article |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Interview by Jennifer Kahn for Afar Magazine(Contributing Writer, New York Times Magazine, Lecturer, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview by Jennifer Khan - Afar experiential travel magazine (25th of July 2014 at Abisko Scientific Research Station, S981 07, Sweden). The interview covered global climate change biology, culture and the natural environment. I have E-mailed Mrs Khan and she responded as follows: Hi Dylan, Afar, being a travel magazine, works on a very distinct publication schedule. Because my story is about a summer backpacking trip, that means it probably won't run until this coming spring or summer (in order to be seasonally appropriate). I will try to let you know when it runs, though. And in any case, am still very grateful for your help! All the best, Jenn. Mrs Khan did say that she would in the future also like to develop an article for the New York Times Magazine. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Mr. Simon Oakley - Presentation at the British Ecological AGM - Effects of long-term elevated CO2 exposure on Arctic Tundra ecosystem greenhouse gas emissions, Birmingham 17 - 20 December 2012. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Results sparked questions No evidence to date |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | National Science Week (15/03/2012) - Alan Jones demonstrated on 'Reproduction and Movement in Plants' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Presentation sparked interest and many questions Schools wrote letters of thanks for various presentations delivered. 600 local primary schools attended. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
Description | November, 2012: synthesis document from Uplands for Carbon Capture meeting stakeholder meeting sent to all participants in the meeting, the Welsh Government (James Skates) 12/11/2012 also published on project website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Document received with thanks Positive response from all recipients. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
URL | http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/media/training/beforesept14/alanj/Stakeholder-synthesis-documentFINAL.pdf |
Description | Poster presentation Jones A, Gwynn-Jones DG, Ostle N, Scullion J. British Ecological Society: AGM 2011, Sheffield: 'Do Arctic plant-soil communities acclimate to long-term elevated CO2 exposure?' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Several people commented on the work and asked questions Unknown |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Poster presentation by Mr Simon Oakley - European Geosciences Union. General Assembly 2013, held 7-12 April, 2013 in Vienna, Austria, id. EGU2013-8136. Effects of long-term elevated CO2 exposure on Arctic Tundra ecosystem greenhouse gas emissions. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Sparked discussion and several questions Following presentation some external discussions with other researchers on methods and experimental site |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Presentation by Dr. Dylan Gwynn-Jones on: Carbon and money to Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd in Llicswm near Mold, North Wales - November 2012 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk sparked questions and discussion afterwards. I was telephoned by one of the attendees. The organiser was interested in possibly making such a talk an annual event. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
URL | http://www.cymdeithasedwardllwyd.org.uk/aCELL/index.php |
Description | Presentation by Dr. Dylan Gwynn-Jones - UV-B and ecological interactions' at UV4growth conference Mikulov, Czech (25/04/2013) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Talk sparked discussion and resulted in subsequent research collaborations After talk, contacted by other laboratory asking for researcher to come to my laboratory for a research periods |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Presentation of site and research to Eurasmus MSc students studying at Abisko Scientfic Research Station with the Climate Imapacts Research Centre, University of Umea, Sweden |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
Results and Impact | Dr. Dylan Gwynn-Jones and Dr. Alan Jones gave a background to the experiment. Key outcomes to date were discussed and responses to questions were provided. Course coordinator E-mailed thanking for our contribution stating that the MSc students had enjoyed the interaction |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Press release disseminated on Ambio berry paper (22/08/2012) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Questions + requests for radio interviews Press release on berries and health did spark interest and subsequent radio interviews - this information was also taken up by a Swedish newspaper in 2013. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
URL | https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2012/08/title-120420-en.html |
Description | Press release disseminated on Uplands for Carbon Capture meeting - May 2012. This meeting involved 32 delegates from across the UK |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Press release on uplands carbon capture BBC Radio interview (in Welsh) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
URL | http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/news/archive/2012/05/title-116121-en.html |
Description | Visit by the Swedish King (Carl Gustav XVI) and his party to the research station and experiments (May 2013) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Royal visit to experimental area (May 2013) - hosted by Dr. Christer Jonasson on behalf of our research group received a positive response. Subsequent visits to Abisko Research Station |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |