Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Higher carbon dioxide, lack of nitrogen limit plant growth

Higher carbon dioxide, lack of nitrogen limit plant growth

April 13, 2006

Stunted plants may not soak up excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Earth's plant life will not be able to "store" excess carbon from rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels as well as scientists once thought because plants likely cannot get enough nutrients, such as nitrogen, when there are higher levels of carbon dioxide, according to scientists publishing in this week's issue of the journal Nature.

That, in turn, is likely to dampen the ability of plants to offset increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide.




"We found that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may rise even faster than anticipated, because ecosystems likely will not store as much carbon as had been predicted," said Peter Reich of the University of Minnesota, lead author of the study, which was conducted at the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s Cedar Creek Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in Minn.

"As a result, soils will be unable to sustain plant growth over time [as atmospheric carbon dioxide continues to increase]," said plant ecologist David Ellsworth of the University of Michigan.

Estimating the role of terrestrial ecosystems as current and future sinks-or storage places-for excess carbon dioxide hinges on an ability to understand the complex interaction between atmospheric carbon dioxide and nitrogen in soils, the scientists believe.

The six-year study, the longest of its kind, sheds light on the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and plant productivity. In the experiment, scientists grew 16 different grassland plants in 296 field plots. The plots were exposed to both ambient and elevated carbon dioxide levels, and varying levels of nitrogen.

The study was designed to document plants' ability to grow and flourish in nitrogen-depleted soil, which, scientists believe, will become more common as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise. Said Henry Gholz, director of NSF's LTER program, "Results from this research echo those of other studies of nitrogen's importance to trees and agricultural crops. In the future, the effects of rising carbon dioxide on plants may become common throughout the world."

The Minn. study, with its range of species, provides a broad test of carbon dioxide and nitrogen interactions, said Reich. Previous studies have been done with a single or a few plant species.

The Cedar Creek LTER is one of 26 such LTER sites supported by NSF.

National Science Foundation



Related Plant Growth Current Events and Plant Growth News Articles Plant Growth Current Events and Plant Growth News RSS Plant Growth Current Events and Plant Growth News RSS
Tension on the grapevine
Predictions of grape yields are extremely important to juice processors and wineries; timely and precise yield forecasts allow producers to plan for harvest and move the highly perishable grape crop from vine to processing efficiently.

Plentiful poinsettias without PGRs
Poinsettias can be a lucrative crop for ornamental plant growers, particularly during the Christmas season.

Water-conserving irrigation strategies minimize overwatering, runoff
Conserving water and reducing the environmental impact of runoff are two of the most important issues confronting container nursery operations. Current regulations and laws in five states limit water consumption by container nurseries, and some states also limit nutrient concentrations in runoff.

For African violets, 'hands off' means healthier
African violets have a mixed reputation. Their delicate, colorful flowers and furry, soft leaves make them a favorite among home gardeners and growers. But the striking plants are often regarded as temperamental: a precise recipe of light, moisture, warm temperatures, high humidity, and fertilizer is required to encourage african violets to grow and flower.

Popping the cork on biofuel agriculture
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a novel enzyme responsible for the formation of suberin - the woody, waxy, cell-wall substance found in cork.

Key new ingredient in climate model refines global predictions
For the first time, climate scientists from across the country have successfully incorporated the nitrogen cycle into global simulations for climate change, questioning previous assumptions regarding carbon feedback and potentially helping to refine model forecasts about global warming.

Panama butterfly migrations linked to El Niño, climate change
A high-speed chase across the Panama Canal in a Boston Whaler may sound like the beginning of another James Bond film-but the protagonist of this story brandishes a butterfly net and studies the effects of climate change on insect migrations at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

Chloride Found at Levels that Can Harm Aquatic Life in Urban Streams of the Northern U.S.--Winter Deicing a Major Source
Levels of chloride, a component of salt, are elevated in many urban streams and groundwater across the northern U.S., according to a new government study.

For peat's sake: Alternative growing media
Peat, or semi-decayed vegetation matter, has been used by commercial growers and amateur gardeners since the middle of the 20th century.

Natural compounds, chemotherapeutic drugs may become partners in cancer therapy
Research in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University suggests that some natural food compounds, which previously have been studied for their ability to prevent cancer, may be able to play a more significant role in treating it - working side-by-side with the conventional drugs that are now used in chemotherapy.
More Plant Growth Current Events and Plant Growth News Articles
Plant Growth (The Life of Plants)

Plant Growth (The Life of Plants)
by Richard Spilsbury (Author), Louise Spilsbury (Author)

How quickly do plants grow? What do plants need to grow? What are epiphytes? All plants start their lives tiny and weak, but soon they are able to get what they need to become strong and healthy. 'Plant Growth' investigates what plants need for growth, how they make food, and what happens when they die. 'The Life of Plants' series explores the amazing world of plants. Learn about the different elements of plants, including plant structures, life processes, plant classification, and plant uses. Examples range from familiar plants to fascinating plants. Activities and experiments are included in each book to give you a chance to apply what you have learned.



GlowPanel 14 Watt LED Growing Light Panel-Plant Grow Light Rivals 60 Watt Metal Halide/HPS Full Spectrum Growth Lite

GlowPanel 14 Watt LED Growing Light Panel-Plant Grow Light Rivals 60 Watt Metal Halide/HPS Full Spectrum Growth Lite
by Sunshine Systems

The GlowPanel® LED grow light consumes up to 80% less energy than HPS & Metal Halide grow lights and emits virtually no heat. The GlowPanel® covers 1.5 square feet and can be used as a primary or supplemental light source. GlowPanels work great for starting seedlings or to provide additional light to you garden. The GlowPanel® is a plug and play grow light. There are no ballasts or reflectors needed. It works right out of the box. The GlowPanel® lasts 50,000 hours. Hanging kit included. Glow Your Own®. 14 watts/110v

Why LED?

LEDs produce light more efficiently, can burn brighter longer, emit virtually no heat and the wavelengths of light can be controlled to the nanometer. This is why LEDs are ideal for growing plants; they are extremely energy efficient and can produce the...

  Plant Life for Children All About Plant Structure and Growth

Science video for grades K-4

Rootblast Plant Growth Formula 2-1-2, 2-1/2 Pounds

Rootblast Plant Growth Formula 2-1-2, 2-1/2 Pounds
by Rootblast

Rootblast Growth Formula is no an ordinary plant food. Loaded with micronutrients it targets the plants root system to make bigger roots. Bigger roots means bigger and earlier plants, flowers and vegetables! Rootblast replenishes the soil with nutrients. Works great in difficult to grow in clay and loamy soils. Easy to use. No mixing. 1 small scoop per plant is all you need to grow beautiful, lush, productive plants!

Birchfield Plant Biology Educational Software - 3 CD Set; MS Windows and Apple Macintoch compatible. Botany topics include: Photosynthesis, Plant Growth, Plant Reproduction, Leaves and Gas Exchange, Transport. Ideal for whole class teaching, group project or individual study. Includes digital media library and assessment tools.

Birchfield Plant Biology Educational Software - 3 CD Set; MS Windows and Apple Macintoch compatible. Botany topics include: Photosynthesis, Plant Growth, Plant Reproduction, Leaves and Gas Exchange, Transport. Ideal for whole class teaching, group project or individual study. Includes digital media library and assessment tools.
by Birchfield Education

The Birchfield Plant Biology Software 3 CD-ROM Set is ideal for classroom teaching, group projects or individual learning. The program includes: Photosynthesis: learn how photosynthesis occurs and about the role chlorophyll, oxygen an sugar in the process. Plant Reproduction: gain understanding of asexual and sexual plant reproduction, know the function of each part of a flower and label those parts, define pollination and distinguish between insect and wild pollinated plants. Leaves and Gas Exchange: teaches how the features of leaves are adapted for photosynthesis and the function of stomata in the process. Transport: learn how water travels through a plant and the effects of wind, humidity, temperature and light on the rate of transportation. CD 1 contains comprehensive information...

50 Watt R25 Plant Flood Medium Base

50 Watt R25 Plant Flood Medium Base
by Westinghouse

FREE SHIPPING! on the Reflector R-25 50W Plant, model number 36401-WHL, by Westinghouse Lighting. Use coupon code "clearance" for an extra 5% discount

SciEd Radiation Effects on Plant Growth Lab Investigation; Kit

SciEd Radiation Effects on Plant Growth Lab Investigation; Kit
by Neo/Sci Corporation

Radiation Effects Kit

Plant Development (The Green World)

Plant Development (The Green World)
by William G. Hopkins (Author)



  Growth Point
by Thrive



Hubbard Scientific R-SGK2 Seed Germin Plant Growth Kit, 20 Students

Hubbard Scientific R-SGK2 Seed Germin Plant Growth Kit, 20 Students
by Hubbard Scientific

Clear germination chambers allow close-up study of root and stem development. Growth domes allow plants to grow tall enough to be transplanted for further study. Both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous seeds are studied. Kits includes 4 packets of seeds, 5 germination chambers, growth domes, magnifying glass, Teacher's Guide, and reproducible student worksheet.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com