Carbon Release from Tropical Montane Forest Trees

Extending over a large altitudinal range, changes in
structure and functionality of tropical mountain
forests (TMFs) are mainly driven by increasing cloud
frequencies and high atmospheric humidity with
increasing elevation. One of the most marked changes
towards higher altitudes is the shift in C
allocation from above- to belowground plant organs
leading to a considerable decline in average tree
height. The present dissertation focuses on the
accompanying changes in the C release from stems and
coarse woody roots along a montane forest transect
in the Andes in Ecuador. Data provide insight into
important respiration-productivity relationships of
a little studied tropical vegetation type. Stand-
level extrapolations along the transect are embedded
in first complete C balances for tropical montane
forests. This comprehensive study is a valuable tool
for ecosystem ecologists and modelers.

Autorentext

Dr. Alexandra Zach, born in 1976, studied Agricultural Sciences in Kiel, Kassel and Göttingen. She obtained her PhD in Biology focusing on tree eco-physiology in 2008. At present, she is working as a scientific assistant at the Department of Plant Ecology, Göttingen.

Klappentext

Extending over a large altitudinal range, changes in structure and functionality of tropical mountain forests (TMFs) are mainly driven by increasing cloud frequencies and high atmospheric humidity with increasing elevation. One of the most marked changes towards higher altitudes is the shift in C allocation from above- to belowground plant organs leading to a considerable decline in average tree height. The present dissertation focuses on the accompanying changes in the C release from stems and coarse woody roots along a montane forest transect in the Andes in Ecuador. Data provide insight into important respiration-productivity relationships of a little studied tropical vegetation type. Stand- level extrapolations along the transect are embedded in first complete C balances for tropical montane forests. This comprehensive study is a valuable tool for ecosystem ecologists and modelers.