Effect of Changes in Throughfall on Soil Respiration in Global Forest Ecosystems: A Meta-Analysis

To date, there has been limited knowledge about how soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from forest ecosystems at a global scale respond to the altered precipitation, and key influencing mechanisms involved. Thirty-seven studies conducted under throughfall manipulation conditions in around globe were selected this meta-analysis, with total of 103 paired observations. Experimental categories such as climate types, texture, area size changes included qualify responses annual CO2 throughfall. The would be more sensitive temperate forests than those tropical subtropical forests, probably due relatively long residence time (C) seasonal freeze–thaw events well high concentration non-structural carbohydrates belowground part terrestrial plants. A large positive response increased was observed Mediterranean small precipitation during growing season mostly coarse-textured soils. Besides sizes effect on (lnRCO2) varied types texture categories. Based regression analysis lnRCO2 values against throughfall, by 6.9%, provided that change 10%. results structural equation modeling indicate fine root biomass microbial biomass, along substantially affect throughfall-induced ecosystems. findings meta-analysis highlight measurement respiration components, priming effects organic C decomposition, allocation between aboveground parts different tree species conditions, deserve attention future.