Spatial variability of soil CO₂ efflux linked to soil parameters and ecosystem characteristics in a temperate beech forest
The aim of this study was to determine the amplitude and the driving factors of the spatial variability in soil CO₂ efflux in a young European beech forest. Soil CO₂ efflux was measured in 2003 and 2004 in seven beech plots differing in terms of soil type and leaf area index. After eliminating temporal fluctuations due to soil temperature and soil water content, standardized soil CO₂ efflux varied significantly among plots over a large range given the homogeneity of the land cover type.