Item talk:Q153735

Seasonal dynamics of CO2 profiles across a soil chronosequence, Santa Cruz, California

Concentrations of CO₂ in soil atmosphere and CO₂ efflux were measured across a marine terrace soil chronosequence near Santa Cruz, California. Soil development, specifically the formation of an argillic horizon, has created a two-tier soil gas profile in the older terrace soils. The soil above the argillic horizon has seasonal variations in soil CO₂ associated with plant respiration. The older soils with dense argillic horizons maintain a year round ∼1%CO₂ below the argillic horizon. The CO₂efflux during the growing season is higher on the older terraces.