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+--- Thread: Research Rising carbon dioxide is supercharging grass growth in African savannas, study finds (/thread-21147.html)
Rising carbon dioxide is supercharging grass growth in African savannas, study finds - C C - Aug 21, 2026
https://sheffield.ac.uk/news/rising-carbon-dioxide-supercharging-grass-growth-african-savannas-study-finds
KEY POINTS: Rising carbon dioxide levels help wild savanna grasses conserve water and grow more under dry conditions, challenging a long-held scientific assumption, a new study from the University of Sheffield suggests. Experiments and observations support the conclusion that an increase in atmospheric CO2 between 1989 and 2021 has resulted in a 28 per cent increase in grass production in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Climate modelling suggests this growth trend could continue through the 21st century, potentially altering plant competition, soil dynamics and ecosystem functions across savannas that cover a fifth of the Earth's land surface. (MORE - details)
PAPER: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10935-4?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20260819&utm_content=10.1038/s41586-026-10935-4