A study using satellite data and in-situ sensor observations finds that the end date of plant photosynthesis is limited by both temperature and water constraints, and, as the temperature constraints diminish, such as in a warming climate, soil water demands increase to support continued vegetation growth; further, projections of warming and drying trends suggest an expansion of regions where photosynthesis is limited by water availability and potential decreases in end-of-season photosynthesis, according to the study.
Article #19-14436: "Large and projected strengthening moisture limitation on end-of-season photosynthesis," by Yao Zhang, Nicholas Parazoo, A. Park Williams, Sha Zhou, and Pierre Gentine.
MEDIA CONTACT: Yao Zhang, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA; e-mail: yaozhang@lbl.gov
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences