Why and how terrestrial plants exchange gases with air.

This work is intended as a review of gas exchange processes between the atmosphere and the terrestrial vegetation, which have been known for more than two centuries since the discovery of photosynthesis. The physical and biological mechanisms of exchange of carbon dioxide, water vapour, volatile organic compounds emitted by plants and air pollutants taken up by them, is critically reviewed. The role of stomatal physiology is emphasised, as it controls most of these processes. The techniques used for measurement of gas exchange fluxes between the atmosphere and vegetation are outlined.