2008 Volume 46 Issue 2 Pages 91-101
Whole plant carbon exchange rate (CER) measurements provide an integral assessment of how an entire plant responds to biotic and abiotic factors. CER determination is based on measurements of CO2 uptake and release that can be determined using various types of systems including Closed, Semi-closed, and Open systems. This review focused on important design and operational considerations of Open CER measurement systems. Primary mechanical and biological factors that may influence measurement accuracy including chamber leakage, CO2 differential between air inlet and outlet of a chamber, chamber air humidity, canopy air speed, acidity of growth media, and irrigation water to name a few. Proper design and operation of a whole canopy photosynthesis system are necessary to assure accuracy of the CER measurements that may be used to assess both short-term responses and long-term yield of a plant as a result of given stimuli.
