In this study, we compare rates of accretion, C content, source and stability between different salt marsh vegetation assemblages, using a range of analytical techniques. We find substantial differences in surface and carbon dynamics among assemblages, driven by both biological and physical processes. These findings have important implications for the fate of tidal wetlands and their capacity for accumulating carbon during a time of environmental change.

We undertook a 3-year study (2010–2012) of eddy covariance measurements in a dry temperate eucalypt (broadleaf evergreen) forest in southeastern Australia. The forest was a large and constant carbon sink, with the greatest uptake in early spring and summer. A strong seasonal pattern in environmental controls of daytime and night-time NEE was revealed. Our results show the potential of temperate eucalypt forests to sequester large amounts of carbon when not water limited.

We studied the development process of bacterial community structure of biological soil crusts (BSCs) along a revegetation chronosequence by Illumina MiSeq sequencing in the Tengger Desert. Our results indicated (1) a shift of bacterial composition related to their function in the crust development process; (2) bacterial diversity and richness consistent with the recovery phase of soil properties; and (3) bacteria as key contributors to the BSC succession process.

Patterns and controls of the inter-annual variability of carbon net ecosystem exchange were analysed using three different data streams: ecosystem-level observations (FLUXNET database), a global upscaling of site-level fluxes (MPI-MTE), and a top–down estimate of fluxes (Jena CarboScope Inversion). Consistencies and discrepancies in the temporal and spatial patterns and in the climatic and physiological controls of the inter-annual variability were investigated for the three data sources.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is increasing in the atmosphere and oceans. To simulate future conditions we manipulated CO₂ concentrations of natural Baltic seawater in 55 m³ bags in situ. We saw increased growth rates and abundances of the smallest-sized eukaryotic phytoplankton and reduced abundances of other phytoplankton with increased CO₂. Viral and bacterial abundances were also affected. This would lead to more carbon recycling in the surface water and affect marine food webs and the carbon cycle.

Large yield gaps exist in rain-fed maize in semi-arid regions caused by frequent droughts halfway through the growing period due to uneven distribution of rainfall. It can be questioned whether irrigation systems are economically and ecologically required. Maize yield was not affected by mild water stress due to the morphological plasticity in root growth. Our results help to mitigate drought risk in dry-land agriculture.