Primary Production
Articles tagged with Primary Production
To reach net-zero, reverse current policy and protect largest trees in Amazon, urge scientists
A recent study finds that the largest trees in Peruvian Amazon store disproportionately large amounts of carbon, making it difficult to achieve net-zero emissions. Protecting these trees can help conserve biodiversity and forest microclimates against future climate change.
Study identifies global upswing in photosynthesis driven by land, offset by oceans
Global net primary production increased significantly between 2003 and 2021 due to land's photosynthetic increase, but declined in marine algae. The study highlights the importance of terrestrial ecosystems in offsetting ocean declines.
NASA's PACE enables new method for monitoring global plant health
A new study using NASA's PACE satellite data established a novel method to determine global plant productivity. The technique relies on the light plants reflect, allowing for accurate capture of short-term changes. This approach has significant implications for understanding carbon sequestration, climate change, and ecosystem monitoring.
A different take on phosphorous: Bacteria use organic phosphorus and release methane in the process
Researchers discovered bacteria can produce methane in oxygen-saturated surface waters, using methylphosphonate as a phosphorus source. This process has significant effects on atmospheric greenhouse gases and the carbon cycle of nutrient-poor ocean regions.
Due to sea-ice retreat, zooplankton could remain in the deep longer
A new study reveals that the decline of Arctic sea ice is altering zooplankton behavior, leading to more frequent food shortages and potential negative effects on larger species. The changing light conditions are affecting the daily vertical migration of zooplankton in the Arctic.
A newly discovered plant gene that helps make apiin: the search ends here
A research team at Ritsumeikan University has identified the elusive ApiT gene in celery, crucial for apiin synthesis. The discovery may pave the way for efficient biosynthesis of apiin, a compound with potential health benefits and medicinal uses.
Energy footprint is reduced by the alternative community lifestyle
A study by UPV/EHU's Ekopol and Life Cycle Thinking groups found that an alternative community lifestyle can reduce energy consumption due to the significance of energy used in goods and services. The energy footprint per inhabitant of Errekaleor neighbourhood is 24% lower than that of ACBC.
They paved paradise — but urban vegetation is compensating for it
Researchers found that urban vegetation's carbon capture ability has increased, offsetting negative impacts of urbanization. The study suggests that urban management and climate factors play a crucial role in maintaining or increasing GPP in urban areas.
Study sheds light on leaf traits, productivity of C4 bioenergy crops
A new study sheds light on the leaf traits and productivity of C4 bioenergy crops, revealing distinct niches in the leaf economics spectrum. The research found that miscanthus and sorghum, two C4 plant species, have higher photosynthetic rates and nitrogen use efficiency than common C3 plants.
Timing of ocean plankton blooms to shift with global warming
A new study reveals that global warming will shift the timing of ocean plankton blooms, impacting the marine food web and potentially disrupting the delicate coupling between phytoplankton growth and zooplankton abundance. This change could have severe consequences for high-latitude regions.
Study: Microbial life helps warming ocean adapt
A new study by Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences reveals that microbial life in the ocean is adapting to warmer conditions, maintaining vital processes despite climate change. The research found that carbon export was maintained as phytoplankton populations declined due to other small organisms taking up the slack.
Greenland’s nutrients changing, with global impact
Phytoplankton are critical to life in ocean waters, and their seasonal availability is shifting due to climate change. Researchers found that carbon produced by phytoplankton is sinking into the deep ocean, impacting global nutrient availability and ocean ecosystems.
University of Guam research traces evolution of reef-building trait in stony corals
Researchers used mathematical models to reconstruct evolutionary history of photosymbiosis in Scleractinia, identifying groups where association is stable and others that may be more flexible. The study found that certain lineages are more likely to retain the reef-building trait in a changing climate.
WSU scientists discover new, simple way to classify marine biomes
Researchers Alli Cramer and Stephen Katz identified two key variables: gross primary production and substrate mobility, which sort biomes by their energy flow and ocean floor movement. This new classification system sheds light on the diversity of marine environments and highlights areas where human actions may impact ecosystem function.
Shrinking resource margins in Sahel region of Africa
The Sahel region is experiencing a shrinking margin between supply and demand for primary production, driven by population growth and increasing consumption. The study found that the rate of increase in food needs was 2.2% per year, while crop production remained largely unchanged over the past decade.
Long-term study links box jellyfish abundance, environmental variability at Waikiki Beach
A long-term study of box jellyfish abundance reveals a strong positive relationship with the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation index, primary production, and small zooplankton abundance. The study confirms predictable timing based on the moon cycle but shows no net increase or decrease in numbers over 14 years.