Eddy covariance is a state-of-the-art technology that measures the exchange of gases and energy between ecosystems and the atmosphere. 

The Lab has 15 eddy covariance towers equipped with CO2, CH4, N2O, and energy sensors, meteorological and soil sensors. 

These systems work 24/7 and we are able to collect gas flux data as well as (micro)meteorological and soil data continuously at high frequency rates (0.1 seconds). Fluxes, (micro)meteorological and soil data are collected without disrupting the normal functioning of ecosystems. This method allows us to integrate fluxes over large spatial scales (from meters to km) and data generated are crucial for accurate model predictions.

Using this method we know whether ecosystems are cooling or warming the atmosphere, and when combined with biometric methods, we are able to estimate how much C is sequestered in ecosystems, and how efficiently ecosystems use water and uptake C from the atmosphere.

Carbon Stable Isotopes

C stable isotopes are one of the most powerful techniques for breaking the barriers to measure otherwise elusive processes in situ, and for elucidating mechanisms and interactions to target research for the improvement of the environmental sustainability of agricultural and managed systems.

The Lab has a Picarro G2201-i, which measures the δ13C of CO2 and CH4 molecules in gas samples. Our G2201-i is paired with a 16-port distribution manifold (multiplexer capabilities) for either the discrete or continuous measurement of δ13C in gas samples. Our G2201-i is also paired with a Picarro Small Sample Introduction Module for measuring small, discrete gas samples and with a Combustion module for the analysis of the isotopic composition of solid samples.

With these instruments, we are able to trace the fate of C through an ecosystem, improve our understanding of the mechanisms enhancing the C capture, stabilization and persistence of C, partition net CH4 emission into gross fluxes and respiration sources, and much more. 

Soils play a major role in regulating the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere. 

The Lab has several gas analyzers to measure CO2 (two LI-8100, one LI-780 with multiplexer capabilities), N2O (two LI-7820) and CH4 (one LI-7810 CH4/CO2/H2O Trace Gas Analyzer) fluxes from soils. 

These instruments help us understand how soils determine the capacity of ecosystems to cool or warm the atmosphere.