CO<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>O fluxes and multi-resource use at the scale-up plots of the GLBRC: Eddy-covariance cluster towers and respiration chambers

Chen, J., T. Zenone, B. Wilske, M. Deal. G.P. Robertson, S.K. Hamilton, P. Jasrotia, S. Bohm, and K. Kahmark

Presented at the All Scientist and GLBRC Sustainability Meeting (2009-05-05 to 2009-05-07 )

A critical research need for developing future bioenergy cropping systems is to provide direct measurements of soil and biomass carbon sequestered (or lost) by different biofuel systems so that Global Warming Potential (GWP) can be considered in the choice of species and management options. As an alternative to assessing carbon stocks directly, which is challenging because of great spatial variability in soils, CO2 exchanges provide a more sensitive measure of subtle but ultimately important changes in carbon stocks. This study is designed to predict biomass accumulation, soil organic matter fluxes, resource use and limitations, and biophysical regulations at multiple temporal scales (days to multi-year). An open path eddy-covariance (EC) tower and 8 respiration chambers were installed at each of the six scale-up plots (two replicates of switchgrass, restored prairie and continuous corn fields with a minimum of 12 ha) and at a native prairie reference site (i.e., J-Rover) at KBS in December 2009. The EC towers were constructed for continuous measurements of net exchange of CO2, H2O, and energy as well as microclimatic variables including air temperature, relative humidity, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), soil temperatures at 0, 15, and 25 cm, atmospheric pressure, and volumetric soil moisture (0-25 cm). The J-Rover is equipped with additional micrometeorological instruments that record 30-min means of precipitation, snow depth, and wind speed and direction.

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