Separation of soil respiration; a site-specific comparison of partition methods

Abstract

Abstract. Without accurate data on soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh), assessments of soil carbon (C) 10 sequestration rate and C balance are challenging to produce. Accordingly, it is essential to determine the contribution of the different sources of the total soil CO 2 efflux (Rs) in different ecosystems, but to date, there are still many uncertainties and unknown regarding the soil respiration partitioning procedures currently available.This study compared the suitability and accuracy of five different Rh/Rs partitioning methods in a subtropical forest: (1) regression between root mass and root derived CO 2 ; (2)