AnaEE PLATFORMS

FO₃X (Free-air O₃ eXposure) is a multidisciplinary study to assess the effects of increasing tropospheric ozone and other stress factors on vegetation under ambient conditions. FO₃X is an ecosystem-level manipulative research facility, that ensures long-term operability, fully replicated treatment plots connected with state-of-the-art ecophysiology and genomics labs, and is available for undertaking new collaborative projects.

FO₃X consists of nine 5x5x2m blocks in which the concentrations of tropospheric ozone and the availability of water in the soil can be controlled. The design is a split-plot experiment, that provides the ability to assess the effects of ozone and other stressors, alone and in combination, on many plant attributes, including growth, root characteristics, gas exchanges, biogenic volatile organic compounds, nutrients as well as antioxidants. At present, plants are potted, but can be planted in the ground if needed. Each block consists of a network of vertical ventpipes, which disperses ozone or normal air across the entire block, to simulate three ozone treatments: ambient air (AA); x1.2 ambient ozone (x1.2) and x1.4 ambient ozone (x1.4). Each ozone treatment is replicated three times. Plants in each block may be then divided into other stress treatments, e.g.: full irrigation (water stress 0), 1/3 irrigation (water stress 1), 2/3 irrigation (water stress 2). A computer-controlled system uses signal feedback technology to adjust gas release and water supply. All main ambient variables are continuously recorded (every 15 min to 1 hr), subject to quality assurance procedures and stored in a local system.

Climate

Years measured: 30

Soil Types

• Cambisol