Grasslands and Shrublands Vulnerable to Extreme Drought

Researchers from an international collaboration, including Murdoch University, have found that native grasslands and shrublands are unable to withstand prolonged periods of extreme dryness. The study, published in the journal Science, analyzed 74 grasslands and shrublands in locations worldwide and found that while they can adapt to moderate drought, they are severely impacted by extreme drought. The findings suggest that climate change, which is expected to lead to an increase in extreme droughts, will have alarming effects on vegetation.

Key Takeaways:

• Grasslands and shrublands can adapt to moderate drought, but are severely impacted by extreme drought.
• The productivity of grasslands and shrublands reduced by 77% after four consecutive years of extreme drought.
• Grassland and shrubland ecosystems cover around 40% of the earth's terrestrial surface.
• The study found that even native systems capable of acclimatising to moderate drought are no match for extreme conditions.
• The research warns that the findings foreshadow alarming impacts on vegetation due to climate change.
• The study is part of the International Drought Experiment, a collaboration of researchers from across the world measuring the impact of reduced rainfall on ecosystems.

Statistics:

• 74 grasslands and shrublands were analyzed in the study across locations worldwide.
• Productivity reduced by 77% after four consecutive years of extreme drought.
• Grassland and shrubland ecosystems cover around 40% of the earth's terrestrial surface.
• The study found that grassland and shrubland productivity subject to moderate drought stabilised after the first year.

Sources:

• Science - "Drought intensity and duration interact to magnify losses in primary productivity"
• VerticalNews - "Grasslands and Shrublands Vulnerable to Extreme Drought"
• Murdoch University - News article: "Grasslands and Shrubs are no match for extreme drought"