Figure 2: Conceptual framework of the effect of environmental change on the relationship between soil respiration (Rs) and soil moisture.
From: Shrubland primary production and soil respiration diverge along European climate gradient
(a) The Rs-soil moisture response envelope is shaped by the soil moisture content and other environmental conditions limiting Rs. The shape of the response envelope determines a point where Rs is maximal (Rsmax). Drought-induced reduction in soil moisture content inhibits Rs up to Rsmax. Drought stimulates Rs if the soil moisture content is above the soil moisture that stimulates maximum Rs. (b) Warming-induced expansion of the Rs-soil moisture response envelope following Q10 dynamics. (c) Locations of experimental sites on the Rs-soil moisture response envelope concluded from there observed drought and warming effects on Rs and underlying soil types (Table 1). (d) Location of the DK-B site on the Rs-soil moisture response envelope. DK-B is the only site that showed a changed Rs response when exposed to drought and warming which is likely mediated by the sandy soil.
