carbon dioxide method Any non-destructive technique for measuring rates of primary productivity which monitors changing carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations as a means of assessing the rate of carbon dioxide uptake in photosynthesis and release in respiration. A wide choice of carbon dioxide measuring techniques exists, some more applicable to laboratory than to field conditions. The most frequently used research methods include infrared gas analysis, conductivity measurements, and radiocarbon tracers. See also aerodynamic method.

carbon dioxide method Any nondestructive technique for measuring rates of primary productivity that monitors changing carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations as a means of assessing the rate of carbon dioxide uptake in photosynthesis and release in respiration. A wide choice of carbon dioxide measuring techniques exists, some more applicable to laboratory than to field conditions. The most frequently used research methods include infrared gas analysis, conductivity measurements, and radiocarbon tracers. See also AERODYNAMIC METHOD.