Changes of Land Biota and Their Importance for the Carbon Cycle

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Abstract
Although present data are incomplete, it is possible to give some overall limits on the way in which humans are modifying the exchange of CO2 between land biota, soil and the atmosphere. The accumulated input of C into the atmosphere is 50 .+-. 25% of the amount transferred to the atmosphere from fossil fuel combustion and the present annual input is 10-35% of the present emission from the use of fossil fuels. More rapid growth by the land biota may reduce these figures somewhat but complete compensation is unlikely. Total C input since the early 19th century is in the order of 210 .times. 109 tons. The airborne fraction is about 40% of this. The oceans must have served as more efficient C sinks than previously considered. Since the airborne fraction was previously estimated at 50%, future increases and possible associated climatic changes may be somewhat delayed, provided depletion of the world''s forests is stopped.

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