Article
Plant Sciences
Kai Yang, Yao Huang, Jingrui Yang, Lingfei Yu, Zhenghua Hu, Wenjuan Sun, Qing Zhang
Summary: The study found that prolonged elevated CO2 levels affect photosynthesis and lead to adaptive changes. It was observed that increased CO2 concentration reduces the allocation of nitrogen to photosynthesis components, specifically biochemical reactions and light-harvesting complexes. The acclimation of photosynthesis is mostly driven by the limitation in RuBP regeneration.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Franziska Koch, Britta Tietjen, Katja Tielboerger, Korinna T. Allhoff
Summary: Savannas are characterized by the coexistence of woody and herbaceous vegetation, but overgrazing can lead to bush encroachment. Using a mathematical model, we investigated the role of grazing and found that farmer support levels affect the stability of the ecosystem. Disturbances such as drought events can also trigger abrupt transitions in the savanna.
Article
Forestry
Rory C. O'Connor, Dana M. Blumenthal, Troy W. Ocheltree, Jesse B. Nippert
Summary: This study investigates the potential of elevated CO2 concentration to facilitate the growth of expanding woody plant species in rangelands. The results show that increased CO2 levels enhance photosynthetic rates, water-use efficiencies and leaf starch concentrations in multiple woody species. Additionally, elevated CO2 mitigates the physiological effects of chronic water stress on the juvenile plants, indicating a potential alleviation of abiotic limitations to woody plant establishment in rangelands.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jinjie Fan, Moshe Halpern, Yangliu Yu, Qiang Zuo, Jianchu Shi, Yuchuan Fan, Xun Wu, Uri Yermiyahu, Jiandong Sheng, Pingan Jiang, Alon Ben-Gal
Summary: This study investigates the mechanisms of e[CO2]-induced N deficiency (ECIND) on wheat. The results show that elevated CO2 concentration promotes plant growth but leads to a decrease in tissue N concentration. Active uptake of N can partially compensate for the passive uptake, but it is limited by the energy required. The dominant mechanism explaining ECIND is N dilution in plant tissues, which is influenced by changes in resource allocation.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kai Yang, Jingrui Yang, Chunhua Lv, Peipei Cao, Xi Deng, Yijie Wang, Wenjuan Sun, Lingfei Yu, Zhenghua Hu, Yao Huang
Summary: The study investigated the photosynthetic acclimation of a japonica rice cultivar under elevated CO2 levels, finding that the decrease in photosynthetic rate was mainly limited by mesophyll conductance (g(m)). The results underscore the significant role of g(m) in photosynthetic acclimation under elevated CO2 conditions in rice.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Peter T. Pellitier, Robert B. Jackson
Summary: This study provides direct evidence that phosphorus (P) constrains the growth responses of understory plants to elevated CO2 (eCO2), and indirectly highlights the role of microorganisms in plant responses to eCO2.
Article
Plant Sciences
Di Li, Jinlong Dong, Nazim S. Gruda, Xun Li, Zengqiang Duan
Summary: Greenhouse cultivation in winter often leads to low CO2 concentration and root-zone temperature, which are main limiting factors for vegetable growth. Increasing root-zone temperature has a greater impact on cucumber yield and total dry weight compared to elevated CO2. Long-term elevated CO2 can lead to photosynthetic acclimation in cucumber plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ximei Han, Guiyao Zhou, Qin Luo, Olga Ferlian, Lingyan Zhou, Jingjing Meng, Yuan Qi, Jianing Pei, Yanghui He, Ruiqiang Liu, Zhenggang Du, Jilan Long, Xuhui Zhou, Nico Eisenhauer
Summary: The effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations on plant biomass responses is still unclear, particularly in terms of how it affects phosphorus cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Xin Yang, Peng Zhang, Zhenhua Wei, Jie Liu, Xiaotao Hu, Fulai Liu
Summary: The study investigated the effects of N supply on leaf gas exchange, leaf water relations, and plant nutrient uptake of tomato plants exposed to e[CO2] under progressive soil drying. The results showed that N2 improved plant water relations and drought resistance, and endogenous ABA level played a significant role in modulating the responses of plants to e[CO2] and N supply.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Siyeon Byeon, Kunhyo Kim, Jeonghyun Hong, Seohyun Kim, Sukyung Kim, Chanoh Park, Daun Ryu, Sim-Hee Han, Changyoung Oh, Hyun Seok Kim
Summary: In elevated CO2 conditions, the leaf nitrogen concentration of Fraxinus rhynchophylla seedlings was not reduced by nonstructural carbohydrate accumulation, suggesting a potential link with increased photosynthetic N-use efficiency. Contrary to expectations, leaf NSC decreased under elevated CO2, while stem nitrogen concentrations increased, indicating a complex response of different plant organs to elevated CO2 and nitrogen availability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Yang, Guojun Liu, Haiyan Tian, Xin Liu, Xingyu Hao, Yuzheng Zong, Dongsheng Zhang, Xinrui Shi, Aiping Wang, Ping Li, Shu Kee Lam
Summary: This study investigated the effects of straw management on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, soil properties, and grain yield in wheat ecosystems. The results showed that straw return increased N2O emissions, but also improved grain yield and soil organic carbon sequestration, making it beneficial for climate change mitigation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chongjuan Chen, Guoan Wang, Jiazhu Li, Yufu Jia, Zixun Chen
Summary: Nitrogen and phosphorus are crucial limiting mineral elements for terrestrial plants. The leaf N:P ratio is commonly used to indicate plant nutrient limitations, but its universal application is limited. Leaf nitrogen isotopes (815N) have been suggested as another indicator, but the negative relationships between N:P and 815N are mainly seen in fertilization experiments. We analyzed leaf 815N, N, and P contents across a transect in China and found weak negative correlations between leaf 815N and N:P ratios for all plants but no correlation for different plant groups. The use of leaf 815N in reflecting shifts in nutrient limitations still requires more field investigations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Robin Gineyts, Audrey Niboyet
Summary: Global change may have profound effects on soil nitrogen cycling, particularly on nitrous oxide emissions mediated by nitrification and denitrification. This meta-analysis examined the effects of elevated CO2 on nitrification and denitrification based on numerous observations and experiments. The results showed that elevated CO2 increased potential nitrification, abundance of functional genes, and potential denitrification.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Wei Zhou, Hui Wu, Jingjing Huang, Jinguo Wang, Wei Zhen, Jingwen Wang, Jiaxuan Ni, Juntian Xu
Summary: This study investigated the physiological responses of economically important red algae Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis under the combination conditions of ocean acidification and nutrients limitation. The results showed that the growth and photosynthetic performances of G. lemaneiformis were synergistically inhibited by ocean acidification and nutrient limitation, with phosphorus limitation having a greater effect.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melissa A. Pastore, Sarah E. Hobbie, Peter B. Reich
Summary: Increases in species richness have a significant impact on C storage in grassland ecosystems, while the effects of elevated CO2 and N addition are less pronounced. The effects of the three global change treatments are generally additive, with no observed interactions between CO2 and N.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
S. Tautenhahn, C. Gruen-Wenzel, M. Jung, S. Higgins, C. Roemermann
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jasper A. Slingsby, Glenn R. Moncrieff, Annabelle J. Rogers, Edmund C. February
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joshua Weeber, Gareth P. Hempson, Edmund C. February
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Plant Sciences
Y. Bouchenak-Khelladi, E. C. February, G. A. Verboom, F. C. Boucher
Article
Agronomy
Edmund February, Johanna Pausch, Steven I. Higgins
Article
Ecology
Andrew Kulmatiski, Karen H. Beard, Martin C. Holdrege, Edmund C. February
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Joel R. Lewis, George A. Verboom, Edmund C. February
Summary: This study investigated the functional trait differences between two dominant genera responsible for bush encroachment in Africa, Senegalia and Vachellia, during seedling establishment. The research found that the two genera coexist at a local scale, with Vachellia exhibiting faster growth in the absence of competition from grasses, while Senegalia increased root tissue density in the presence of grasses. Differences in seed morphology and the speculated dispersal modes were also observed. The study suggests a potential role for regeneration niche in structuring local co-occurrence.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
E. C. February, N. M. Munyai, C. P. Tucker, W. J. Bond
Summary: This study found that C-3 grasses are favored over C-4 grasses in cool season rainfall conditions. However, despite this, there are locations where C-4 grasses have become dominant, suggesting that rainfall seasonality does not constrain their distribution. The research reveals that the establishment of C-4 grasses in fynbos shrublands is recent, with roads potentially acting as conduits, impacting fynbos species richness.
Article
Ecology
Matthew O. Trisos, Catherine L. Parr, Andrew B. Davies, Monica Leitner, Edmund C. February
Summary: The study demonstrates the impact of drought on vegetation structure, invertebrate populations, and highlights the potential cascading effects on ecosystem structure and function. Despite varying drought severity and rainfall patterns, grass biomass decreased at both locations, leading to changes in grasshopper and ant abundance. The results suggest that increased drought in savannas will contribute to overall declines in insect abundance and highlight the importance of understanding the role of termite mounds in mitigating or intensifying drought effects on insect communities.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Tom De Mil, Matthew Meko, Soumaya Belmecheri, Edmund February, Matthew Therrell, Jan Van den Bulcke, Valerie Trouet
Summary: The study investigates the climatic signal in various tree-ring parameters of Clanwilliam cedar in South Africa. It found that minimum density was negatively influenced by early spring precipitation, while tree-ring width was positively influenced by spring precipitation. Maximum latewood density and maximum latewood blue intensity were also influenced by different seasons and precipitation levels.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mingzhen Lu, William J. Bond, Efrat Sheffer, Michael D. Cramer, Adam G. West, Nicky Allsopp, Edmund C. February, Samson Chimphango, Zeqing Ma, Jasper A. Slingsby, Lars O. Hedin
Summary: Recent research suggests that plant root traits play a crucial role in shaping biome boundaries and maintaining plant communities. The study conducted in South Africa revealed that thin-rooted plant strategies are favored in biomes with low soil resources, and these strategies, along with intense belowground competition, help maintain the sharp boundary between different biomes. The findings challenge the traditional belief that external abiotic factors primarily determine biome boundaries and highlight the importance of internal biotic mechanisms in maintaining these boundaries.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick Schmidt, Tabea J. Koch, Edmund February
Summary: Studying earliest archaeological adhesives provides insights into human cognition. The oldest adhesives recorded in southern Africa were made by Homo sapiens during the Middle Stone Age. However, the production method of these adhesives remains unknown. This study explores the production of adhesives from a local conifer and finds that the use of Podocarpus tar requires innovation and skill. The preference for Podocarpus tar may be attributed to its superior adhesive properties, which can be accidentally discovered through above-ground processes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
C. Coetsee, E. C. February, B. J. Wigley, L. Kleyn, T. Strydom, L. O. Hedin, H. Watson, F. Attore, A. Pellegrini
Summary: Woody plant encroachment is a global trend that is accelerated by fire suppression. This study found that increased woody cover is associated with higher soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. However, C4 grasses contribute significantly to SOC even in fire suppression scenarios. There was little difference in SOC sequestration between lower frequency burns and fire suppression scenarios.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yong Zhou, Barbara Bomfim, William J. J. Bond, Thomas W. W. Boutton, Madelon F. F. Case, Corli Coetsee, Andrew B. B. Davies, Edmund C. C. February, Emma F. F. Gray, Lucas C. R. Silva, Jamie L. L. Wright, A. Carla Staver
Summary: A case study in South Africa combined with a synthesis of global data on tropical savannas shows that grasses contribute more than half of the soil organic carbon (SOC) across these regions. The assumption that increasing tree cover leads to significant gains in SOC may not reflect the actual changes, as SOC in savannas is also derived from grasses. The study highlights the substantial contribution of grasses to SOC and the uncertainty in SOC responses to increasing tree cover in tropical savannas.
Article
Water Resources
R. M. Petersen, J. M. Nel, T. Strydom, E. Riddell, C. Coetsee, E. February
Summary: The role of groundwater in freshwater ecosystem management is often overlooked, but understanding the interaction between groundwater and rivers is essential for sustainable management of resources, especially in the face of future climate variability.
