From tree to plot: investigating stem <scp>CO<sub>2</sub></scp> efflux and its drivers along a logging gradient in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Stem respiration constitutes a substantial proportion of autotrophic respiration in forested ecosystems, but its drivers across different spatial scales and land-use gradients remain poorly understood. This study quantifies and examines the impact of logging disturbance on stem CO<sub>2</sub> efflux (EA) in Malaysian Borneo. EA was quantified at tree- and stand-level in nine 1-ha plots over a logging gradient from heavily logged to old-growth using the static chamber method. Tree-level results showed higher EA per unit stem area in logged vs old-growth plots (37.0 ± 1.1 vs 26.92 ± 1.14 g C m<sup>-2</sup> month<sup>-1</sup>). However, at stand-level, there was no difference in EA between logged and old-growth plots (6.7 ± 1.1 vs 6.0 ± 0.7 Mg C ha<sup>-1</sup> yr<sup>-1</sup>) due to greater stem surface area in old-growth plots. Allocation to growth respiration and carbon use efficiency was significantly higher in logged plots. Variation in EA at both tree- and stand-level was driven by tree size, growth and differences in investment strategies between the forest types. These results reflect different resource allocation strategies and priorities, with a priority for growth in response to increased light availability in logged plots, while old-growth plots prioritise maintenance and cell structure.
Authors
- Maria Mills (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2902-8969)
- Yit Arn Teh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7976-6794)
- Yadvinder Singh Malhi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3503-4783)
- Walter Huaraca Huasco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5300-4986)
- David F. R. P. Burslem (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6033-0990)
- Colin R. Maycock (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4368-2545)
- Palasiah Jotan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4973-9407)
- Rudi Cruz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1463-8278)
- Sabine Both (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4437-5106)
- Susan Page (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3392-9241)
- Terhi Riutta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8308-5307)
- Rolando Robert (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6830-6602)
- Juan Carlos Berrío
- Milenka Montoya Pillco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5235-6899)
- Jörg Kaduk (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4051-3081)
- Robert M. Ewers
Institutions
- University of Leicester (GB)
- Universiti of Malaysia Sabah (MY)
- University of Aberdeen (GB)
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZ)
- National University of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Cuzco (PE)
- University of Oxford (GB)
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (GB)
- Sabah Forestry Department (MY)
- Imperial College London (GB)
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PE)
- Newcastle University (GB)
- University of New England (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- New Phytologist
- Published
- 2024-08-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20043
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Forest ecology and management
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.07
Funders
- Yayasan Sime Darby
- Sight Research UK
- University of Leicester
- Imperial College London
- NOMIS Stiftung
- Natural Environment Research Council