· Anthropogenic emissions add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Forests worldwide are using it to grow faster, reducing the amount of CO2 that stays in the atmosphere. This effect is called carbon fertilization. Faster plant growth leads to the sequestration of more CO2 , at least during the plants period of growth.
· The effect is stronger at higher temperatures, meaning it will be higher in the tropics than in the boreal forests.
· The carbon fertilization effect will cause changes in crop yields. It should increase the crop yields in some regions.
· It tends to have a greater effect on plants when soil moisture is low, and it affects some plants more than others. Those with “C4” photosynthesis systems, which can concentrate carbon dioxide onto reaction sites, are affected less than plants with “C3” photosynthetic systems. That means , CO2 fertlization does not apply to all crops. For example, it does not apply to maize.
· Satellite observations by scientists have shown that Carbon dioxide has turned arid deserts green. C02 aided the growth of plants.
· C02 fertilization also increases plant water use efficiency. At higher CO2, plants maintain narrower openings on leaf surfaces because they can achieve the same internal CO2 concentration inside leaves at the site of photosynthesis with their pores more closed. Thus less water transpires out of their leaves — and hence water is saved.
· Response to CO2 fertilization may influence competition between species, including woody species versus grasses, and native grasses versus invasive species. Weeds and other undesirable plants experience CO2 fertilization as well.
· Some evidence suggests that plants grown under conditions of carbon dioxide fertilization may increase the production of chemical compounds that make them more resistant to some insects. Elevated CO2 levels caused a limitation in nutrient content.
· The CO2 fertilization effect is not going to save us from the consequences of global warming.
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