The likely impact of rising atmospheric CO2 on natural and managed {N:Populus}: a literature review

Abstract

Because of their prominent role in global biomass productivity, as well as their complex structure and function, forests and tree species deserve particular attention in studies on the likely impact of elevated athmospheric CO2 on terrestrial vegetation. Popular(Populus) has proven to be an interesting study object due to its fast response to a changing environment, and the growing importance of managed forests in the carbon balance. Results of both chamber and field experiments with different poplar species and hybrids are reviewed in this contribution. Despite the variability between experiments and species, and the remaining uncertainty over the long term, poplar is likely to profit from a rising athmospheric CO2 concentration with a mean biomass stimulation of 33%. Environmental constraints might not occur. The predicted responses of poplar to rising athmospheric CO2 have implications for future forest management and the expected forest carbon sequestration.