Journal Article

Carbon fluxes of alpine peatlands were jointly affected by water table level changes and the duration

Yan, Liang, Li, Meng, Kang, Xiaoming, Wang, Xiaodong, Li, Yong, Wu, Haidong, Zhang, Kerou, Zhang, Xiaodong, Yan, Zhongqing, Kang, Enze, Yang, Ao, Niu, Yuechuan, Yu, Xiaoshun

2023

Overview

PurposeAlpine peatlands are vital carbon pools and highly sensitive region. Water table level (WTL) changes caused by climate change and human activities may influence carbon fluxes. However, the impacts of WTL changes and the duration (DR) on carbon fluxes are still unclear.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a six water table level mesocosm controlled experiment and observed carbon fluxes, including net ecosystem productivity (NEP), ecosystem respiration (ER), gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), and CH4 fluxes for two consecutive years. Mixed effect model was performed to analyze the impacts of WTL changes and DR on carbon fluxes in alpine peatlands. Correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between carbon fluxes and environmental factors.ResultsBoth WTL and DR significantly affected CO2 fluxes. WTL had significant negative effects on ER (P < 0.01), NEP (P < 0.001), and GEP (P < 0.01). On the other hand, DR had significant positive effects on ER (P < 0.001), NEP (P < 0.05), and GEP (P < 0.001). In addition, WTL had a greater effect on CO2 fluxes than DR. CH4 fluxes significantly increased with increasing WTL (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the relationship between environmental factors and carbon fluxes varied with WTL.ConclusionWTL and DR jointly influenced carbon fluxes of alpine peatlands in Zoige Plateau. Therefore, both factors should be taken into account when carrying out peatlands protection and restoration efforts.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Carbon / Carbon dioxide / Climate change / Correlation analysis / Ecosystems / Environmental factors / Environmental restoration / Fluxes / Groundwater table / Methane / Peatlands / Productivity / Water table