Absorption of atmospheric CO2 in peach trees and partitioning in the different plant organs.

摘要

We examined carbon fluxes in a peach orchard, and hypothesized that appropriate agronomic practices (soil management, in particular) could increase the absorption of atmospheric CO2 and its storage in the soil, thereby mitigating environmental damage caused by the greenhouse effect. Trials were carried out in southern Italy from the first (1997) to the fifth year after planting using peach trees (Prunus persica cv. Springcrest) budded on GF677. Trees were trained to transverse Y or delayed vase at planting densities of 1111 trees and 416 trees/ha-1, respectively. At the end of the vegetative season, values of fixed atmospheric CO2 and CO2 accumulation rates were calculated by measuring the dry matter partitioning in various plant organs. During the initial year, CO2 was mainly allocated to permanent structures (trunk and roots), while in the mature orchards, fixed CO2 was also distributed in leaves, pruning material and fruits. Green manure increased CO2 fixation to approximately 11 t ha-1. The results indicated the importance of training system, plant density, and cultivation techniques in the absorption of atmospheric CO2 and its storage as organic matter in the soil..