Elevated CO2 does not affect stem CO2 efflux nor stem respiration in dry Eucalyptus woodland, but it shifts the vertical gradient in xylem [CO2]

To quantify stem respiration (RS) under elevated CO2 (eCO2), stem CO2 efflux (EA) and CO2flux through the xylem (FT) should be accounted for, because part of respired CO2 is transported upwards with the sap solution. However, previous studies have used EA as a proxy of RS, which could lead to equivocal conclusions. Here, to test the effect of eCO2 on RS, both EA and FT were measured in a free‐air CO2 enrichment experiment located in mature Eucalyptus native forest. Drought stress substantially reduced EA and RS, which were unaffected by eCO2, likely as a consequence of its neutral effect on stem growth in this phosphorus‐limited site. However, xylem CO2 concentration measured near the stem base was higher under eCO2, and decreased along the stem resulting in a negative contribution of FT to RS, whereas the contribution of FT to RS under ambient CO2 was positive. Negative FT indicates net efflux of CO2 respired below the monitored stem segment, likely coming from the roots. Our results highlight the role of nutrient availability on the dependency of RS on eCO2 and suggest stimulated root respiration under eCO2 that may shift vertical gradients in xylem [CO2] confounding the interpretation of EA measurements.