Response of phytoliths in Phragmites communis to elevated CO2 concentration in Songnen Grassland, China

Research on response of phytolith assembles in Phragmites communis to two treatments is a new idea for studying global change. As P. communis is an important dominant species in the Songnen Grassland and widely distributed in sampling area and produce abundant phytoliths. P. communis was selected as the material and target to find a link between the phytolith variety and elevated CO2 concentration. An OTC (open top chamber) was used to elevate the concentration of CO2, and the phytoliths in P. communis were investigated to identify the effects. The phytolith record reveals the elevation of CO2 concentration can change the ratio of different types and size of phytoliths significantly. The number of silicified stomata and Saddle decreased while hair cell increased after elevated CO2 treatment. Moreover, after the measurement using a particle-size analyzer and under a microscope, phytoliths grow smaller after elevated CO2 treatment. Research on relationship between phytolith and CO2 concentration renews the traditional understanding. This study introduces a different way to study the influence of global change, and the use of common reed could provide basic data for other studies to make regional contrast with the same species.