Carbon dioxide (CO2) mixing ratios were continuously measured at a pasture site (Fazenda Nossa Senhora Aparecida) near Ouro Preto D'Oeste/RO during the period 15 April to 21 May 1999. This period corresponds to the transition between the wet to the dry season in this region. Photosynthesis by the vegetation of the pasture is the main sink for atmospheric CO2 during daylight. During nighttime soil and plant respiration are a source for atmospheric CO2. Our results show a marked diurnal cycle of mean CO2 mixing ratios. Mean mixing ratios above 500 ppmv are reached between 23:00 and 6:00 local time with a maximum of 533 ± 106 ppmv around 02:00 Values stay well below 400 ppmv between 9:00 and 17:00 and reach a minimum of 367 ± 8 ppmv around 15:00. Individual measurements performed during nights with low wind speeds especially show elevated CO2 mixing ratios which might reach up to 800 ppmv.
CO2 concentration; pasture; Amazonia
