Biomass quantification and characteristics produced under increased atmospheric CO2 simulated conditions in agricultural system

Author(s)

Adibe Luiz Abdalla Filho

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA/STB)
• Defense date: 2018-07-10

Examining board members

Marisa de Cassia Piccolo; Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri; Luciana Gerdes; Aline Cristina Soterroni

• Advisor: Marisa de Cassia Piccolo

Abstract

Increased atmospheric carbon-dioxide (CO2) is a consequence of recent anthropogenic environmental change and few studies have evaluated its effect on tropical grasses used in Brazilian pastures, main feed source of major part of livestock. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of increased CO2 atmospheric concentration on production and nutritive value of tropical grasses. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed in order to systematize and analyze published data on the topic \"elevated concentration of atmospheric CO2 and its effects on plants with type C4 photosynthetic cycle\" and demonstrated the importance of more experimental studies for a better understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and its effects on agriculture. Using a FACE (Free-Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment) facility, forage production, morphological characteristics, chemical composition and in vitro organic matter degradability of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu (palisade grass), and biomass production, morphologic characteristics, fiber fractions, elemental and isotopes composition of Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk (signal grass) were evaluated. In different periods, the grasses were sown in each of the twelve rings of the FACE facility where six rings were kept at ambient condition (current atmospheric CO2 concentration; Control ? 390 ?mol mol-1; delta13C = -10.6 ?) and six other rings were enriched with pure CO2 in order to achieve the target concentration of ? 550 ?mol mol-1 (Elevated CO2; delta13C = -10.6 ?). Before the beginning of the experiment, soil samples were collected to determine the concentrations, stocks and isotopic contents of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), which showed no difference between treatments (P > 0.05). Biomass production, as well as morphological characteristics, chemical composition and in vitro organic matter degradability of B. brizantha were not different between Control and Elevated CO2 treatments (P > 0.05). In addition, no effects of Elevated CO2 were observed in biomass production, morphological characteristics and fiber fractions of B. decumbens (P > 0.05). However, lower values of calcium (Ca) were observed in the leaves and senescent material of B. decumbens on the Elevated CO2 treatment (P < 0.05). Lower C:N ratio was observed in the total fraction of B. decumbens under Elevated CO2 treatment (P < 0.05). The isotopic compositions of B. decumbens were also affected by the increased CO2 atmosphere, presenting lower delta13C and higher delta15N values when compared to Control (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the evaluated grasses (C4) are less responsive than C3 plants to CO2 enrichment, probably due to the physiological mechanisms during photosynthesis leading to an increased CO2 concentration in the loci of photosynthesis of C4 plants. However, under elevated CO2 atmospheric concentration, B. decumbens showed lower Ca content, which can affect the livestock production in a predictable scenario of climate change (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/14699-1 - Biomass quantification and characteristics produced under increased atmospheric CO2 simulated conditions in agricultural system
• Grantee: Adibe Luiz Abdalla Filho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate