Higher atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) helps wild savannah grasses in southern Africa thrive despite very dry conditions, according to University of Sheffield researchers.
In a study, they found that rising atmospheric CO2 levels between 1989 and 2021 resulted in a 28% increase in grass production in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a vast wildlife reserve featuring a rich mix of open grasslands.
Plant types known as C4 grasses dominate many tropical and subtropical savannahs. They are adapted to being highly efficient in bright light, high temperatures, and dry conditions compared to plants in other biomes. C4 grasses use a highly efficient form of photosynthesis that allows them to capture CO2 and turn it into sugars, helping them thrive in hot and dry climates.
As the findings reveal, higher CO2 levels help these grasses reduce water loss through their leaves, enabling them to maintain photosynthesis and continue growing when water is scarce.
Other possible explanations for the...