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Rising atmospheric CO/sub 2/ and crop productivity

Conference · · HortScience; (United States)
OSTI ID:6130151

The CO/sub 2/ level in the atmosphere is rising at the rate of 1.5 to 2 ppM per year. Although climatologists look to the rising level of atmospheric CO/sub 2/ as a problem of climate change, the effects on climate are uncertain. Biological effects are much more certain, predictable, and measurable. It can be assumed that CO/sub 2/ alters the heat balance of the earth and acts as a one-way screen, causing a ''greenhouse effect''. Both the climatic effects and the biological effects of rising atmospheric CO/sub 2/ are reviewed in depth. The most profound effect on crop productivity involves increased water-use efficiency and a reduction in the water requirement. Elevated levels of atmospheric CO/sub 2/ appear to have a remarkable positive effect on increasing the resilience of crops under environmental stresses.

Research Organization:
Michigan State Univ., East Lansing
OSTI ID:
6130151
Report Number(s):
CONF-8208184-
Journal Information:
HortScience; (United States), Journal Name: HortScience; (United States) Vol. 18:5; ISSN HJHSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English