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Elevated CO2 levels promote both carbon and nitrogen cycling in global forests

Author

Listed:
  • Jinglan Cui

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Miao Zheng

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Zihao Bian

    (Boston College
    Nanjing Normal University)

  • Naiqing Pan

    (Boston College)

  • Hanqin Tian

    (Boston College)

  • Xiuming Zhang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Ziyue Qiu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Jianming Xu

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

  • Baojing Gu

    (Zhejiang University
    Zhejiang University)

Abstract

Forests provide vital ecosystem services, particularly as carbon sinks for nature-based climate solutions. However, the impact of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels on carbon and nitrogen interactions of forests remains poorly quantified. We integrate experimental observations and biogeochemical models to elucidate the synergies between enhanced nitrogen and carbon cycling in global forests under elevated CO2. Elevated CO2 alone increases net primary productivity (+27%; 95% CI: 23–31%) and leaf C/N ratio (+26%; 95% CI: 16–39%), while stimulating biological nitrogen fixation (+25%; 95% CI: 0–56%) and nitrogen use efficiency (+32%; 95% CI: 5–65%) according to a global meta-analysis. Under the elevated CO2 middle-road scenario for 2050, the forest carbon sink is projected to increase by 0.28 billion tonnes (PgC yr−1), with reactive nitrogen loss decreasing by 8 Tg yr−1 relative to the baseline. The monetary impact assessment of the elevated CO2 impact on forests represents a societal value of US$271 billion.

Suggested Citation

  • Jinglan Cui & Miao Zheng & Zihao Bian & Naiqing Pan & Hanqin Tian & Xiuming Zhang & Ziyue Qiu & Jianming Xu & Baojing Gu, 2024. "Elevated CO2 levels promote both carbon and nitrogen cycling in global forests," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 14(5), pages 511-517, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:14:y:2024:i:5:d:10.1038_s41558-024-01973-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-01973-9
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