Low precipitation due to climate change consistently reduces multifunctionality of urban grasslands in mesocosms.

ABSTRACT: Urban grasslands are crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem services in cities, while little is known about their multifunctionality under climate change. Thus, we investigated the effects of simulated climate change, i.e., increased [CO2] and temperature, and reduced precipitation, on individual functions and overall multifunctionality in mesocosm grasslands sown with forbs and grasses in four different proportions aiming at mimicking road verge grassland patches. Climate change scenarios RCP2.6 (control) and RCP8.5 (worst-case) were simulated in walk-in climate chambers of an ecotron facility, and watering was manipulated for normal vs. reduced precipitation. We measured eight indicator variables of ecosystem functions based on below- and aboveground characteristics. The young grassland

SUBMITTER: Rojas-Botero S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9897532 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature