Incoprea Theory
Vol. XXXI · 129

Theory 79/Forests are carbon sinks

Sinks Saturate

The claim

Forest carbon uptake saturates as nutrient limitation and age reduce the response to higher carbon dioxide.

01Mechanism

Growth requires nitrogen and phosphorus; uptake cannot outpace supply.

02Prediction

Uptake should plateau in mature forests.

03Refutation

Indefinite increase would remove the limitation.