Seasonal dynamics of CO2 profiles across a soil chronosequence, Santa Cruz, California
Concentrations of CO 2 in soil atmosphere and CO 2 efflux were measured across a marine terrace soil chronosequence near Santa Cruz, California. Soil development, specifically the formation of an argillic horizon, has created a two-tier soil gas profile in the older terrace soils. The soil above the argillic horizon has seasonal variations in soil CO 2 associated with plant respiration. The older soils with dense argillic horizons maintain a year round ∼1%CO 2 below the argillic horizon. The CO 2 efflux during the growing season is higher on the older terraces.
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