Spatial and temporal variation of soil respiration rate in an artificial forest of Hinoki(Chamaecyparis obtusa)

Abstract

Spatial and temporal variation of soil respiration rate was studied at an artificial forest of Hinoki(Chamaecyparis obtusa)at Kiryu experimental watershed in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Soil respiration rate, soil temperature and soil water content have been measured on every 1 m grid in four 4m×4 m plots. Soil respiration rate has temporally depended on soil temperature. In each plot, the distribution of soil respiration rate has showed the frequency distribution centered on the mean of the plot. In the comparison of the plots, soil respiration rate was smaller at the water saturated point and also smaller at the droughty point influenced by water deficit in summer season. Annual soil respiration rate in each plot was estimated to be 454-566 gC/m²/yr by using the relationship between soil temperature and soil respiration rate.