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A labeling chamber for 13C enrichment of plant tissue for decomposition studies

1991; Elsevier BV; Volume: 34; Issue: 1-4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0167-8809(91)90125-h

1873-2305

Jorrit D.J. van den Berg, Paul F. Hendrix, Wenxi Cheng, Ashley Dillard,

Nuclear and radioactivity studies

Isotope labeling with a 13CO2-enriched atmosphere was conducted on four raised beds of grain sorghum. A temporary rain shelter with clear polyethylene roofing material was constructed to allow controlled watering of the beds. Labeling chambers were constructed with aluminum frames, polyethylene sides and propofilm C tops. The chamber length (4 m) was one-quarter of the total bed length and enclosed a total volume of ∼ 3000 1. A fan recirculated air in the chamber through polyvinyl chloride pipes. An outlet allowed sampling of chamber atmosphere for CO2 concentration, while another opening downstream provided an inlet for 13CO2 injection. An elebated extension was added when the grain sorghum grew to exceed the 50-cm height of the chamber, doubling the enclosed volume. Enrichment of the chamber atmosphere with 13CO2 was monitored with infrared gas analyzers. Gas flowmeters were used to measure isotope additions.