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Abstract
Increased atmospheric CO2 concentration often stimulates plant photosynthesis, enhances
carbon (C) allocation below-ground, increases plant nutrient uptake and improves the
efficiency of plant water use. Recent studies suggest that microbial responses to
CO2-induced alterations in soil C, water and nutrient availability play an important
role in determining ecosystem feedback to CO2 elevation. However, to date, most of
the published results have been obtained from short-term experiments or from studies
using high-nutrient or disturbed soils. Information on microbial responses to CO2-induced
changes in natural and/or mature ecosystems with nutrient limitations is critical
to predict changes in terrestrial ecosystem C storage under future CO2 scenarios.