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Journal of Environmental BiologypISSN: 0254-8704 ; eISSN: 2394-0379 ; CODEN: JEBIDP |
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Abstract - Issue Jul 2010, 31 (4) BackGrowth, yield and
photosynthesis of Panicum maximum
and Stylosanthes hamata
under elevated CO2
Indian
Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, (Received:
Abstract: Plant height,
biomass production, assimilatory functions and chlorophyll accumulation of Panicum maximum and Stylosanthes hamata in intercropping systems was influenced
significantly under elevated CO2 (600 ?50 ppm)
in open top chambers (OTCs). The plant height increased by 32.0 and 49.0% over
the control in P. maximum and S. hamata respectively
in intercropping system under elevated CO2 over open field grown
crops (Ca). P. maximum and S. hamata produced 67 and
85% higher fresh and dry biomass respectively under elevated CO2.
Rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance
increased in both the crop species in intercropping systems under elevated CO2.
The canopy photosynthesis (photosynthesis x leaf area index) of these crop
species increased significantly under elevated CO2 over the open
grown crops. The chlorophyll a and b accumulation were also higher in the
leaves of both the crop species as grown in OTC with elevated CO2.
The increased chlorophyll content, leaf area index and canopy photosynthesis
led to higher growth and biomass production in these crop species under
elevated CO2. The total carbon sequestration in crop biomass and
soils during the three years was 21.53 Mg C/ha under elevated CO2.
The data revealed that P. maximum and S. hamata
intercropping system is the potential as a sink for the increasing level of CO2
in the atmosphere in the semi-arid tropics. Key words: Biomass, Carbon sequestration,
Chlorophyll, Panicum maximum, Photosynthesis, Stylosanthes hamata
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