Nitrogen addition substantially affects plant phenology in terrestrial ecosystems: a meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Phenology is a sensitive biological indicator of climate change. Increasing nitrogen (N) deposition has amplified phenological shifts, making their study across terrestrial ecosystems crucial for understanding global change responses. While existing research focuses on single ecosystems, comparative analyses are lacking.

Methods

Our meta-analysis of 125 species across different ecosystems examined the effects of nitrogen addition on various phenological stages.

Results

The results showed that nitrogen addition advanced flowering by 0.18 days but delayed budding (4.15d), leaf fall (4.95d), fruiting (0.21d), leaf discoloration (1.5d), maturity (3.3d), senescence (4d), and xylem growth (8.56d). In summary, nitrogen addition remarkably affects terrestrial eco

SUBMITTER: He Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12401924 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature