Carbon cycling in a loblolly pine plantation.

The carbon cycle of a loblolly pine plantation in North Carolina was examined during its 12th through 16th years from planting. Net primary production during the study period averaged 2056 g C m-2 year-1. With autotrophic respiration equal to 2068 g C, the calculated gross production was 4124 g C m-2 year-1. Heterotrophic respiration of 694 g C m-2 year-1 resulted in net ecosystem production of 1362 g C m-2 year-1. In carbon cycle comparisons between forest ecosystems, autotrophic respiration rates were found to be closely coupled to regional temperature.