Summary
Wang et al. demonstrate that the carbon fertilisation effect—the enhancement of plant photosynthesis due to rising atmospheric CO₂—has declined in magnitude over recent decades at the global scale. The decline appears attributable to nutrient limitations, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus availability. This finding has significant implications for climate mitigation projections, as current carbon cycle models may overestimate the long-term climate buffering capacity of enhanced vegetation growth.
Regional applicability
The global decline in CFE has direct relevance to UK agricultural productivity projections and climate modelling. UK farmers and policymakers should recognise that projected CO₂-driven yield increases may be lower than historically modelled, and that investment in soil nutrient management (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus cycling) will be critical for maintaining productivity under future climate scenarios.
Key measures
Carbon fertilisation effect on vegetation photosynthesis; temporal trends in CFE over recent decades; photosynthetic response to elevated atmospheric CO₂
Outcomes reported
The study analysed temporal dynamics of the carbon fertilisation effect (CFE) on vegetation photosynthesis globally over recent decades, finding a measurable decline in CFE contribution. The research suggests nutrient limitation (nitrogen and phosphorus) may explain the weakening effect.
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