Rising carbon dioxide is supercharging grass growth in African savannas, study finds
Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide is boosting grass growth in Africa's water-limited savannas, according to a new study led by the University of Sheffield.
New research published in Nature reveals that increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are enhancing grass growth in Africa's water-scarce savannas. The study, led by the University of Sheffield, challenges the long-held belief that C₄ grasses, which dominate many tropical and subtropical savannas, are not responsive to rising CO₂.
The findings, based on a comprehensive analysis of 70 CO₂ experiments and a 32-year record from 533 locations in South Africa's Kruger National Park, show that grass production increased by 28% between 1989 and 2021. This growth was most pronounced in the park's driest regions, suggesting that CO₂ levels are helping these grasses conserve water and continue photosynthesis under dry conditions.
The research, co-led by Princeton University's Professor Carla Staver and the University of Sheffield's Professor Colin Osborne, emphasizes that this CO₂-fertilization effect could have significant implications for savanna ecosystems, including shifts in fire risks, wildlife habitats, and the global carbon cycle. The study also notes that while taller, more productive grass species are becoming more dominant, it remains unclear how these changes might affect species composition and overall savanna functioning.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
