Soil Co2 Efflux and Its Spatial and Temporal Variations in a Mediterranean Pinus Sylvestris L. Forest in Central Spain

INCLÁN, R., GRAU, J. M., DANIEL DE LA TORRE , LOPEZ, M.: Soil CO2 efflux and its spatial and temporal variations in a Mediterranean Pinus sylvestris L. forest in central Spain. Lesn. Čas. – Forestry Journal, 52(1–2): 3–7, 2006, 1 fig., tab. 1, ref. 11. Original paper. ISSN 0323–1046 The main factors influencing spatial and temporal variations in soil respiration were investigated in 5 sampling plots distributed along an altitudinal gradient in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain. Soil CO2 fluxes were measured at each site every week with a closed dynamic system (LI-COR 6400) using soil collars during the summer. At the same time, soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm and soil water content were measured at each collar. Soil respiration declined during the summer synchronized with the continuous decrease in soil moisture. However, the seasonal variation of soil respiration during this period was decoupled with the temporal variation in soil temperature. The spatial variation of soil respiration across the plots might be a consequence of the influence of local topography on microclimatic conditions.