Climate change and agricultural productivity

Research performed at the AB-DLO and the Free University was intended to quantify the effects of a doubled CO ₂ concentration on some key agronomic species and grasslands. A set of physiological and morphological processes was studied and related to above-and below ground cycling of carbon. The research was based on experiments and simulation studies at the level of plant, crop and soil in laboratory facilities and semi-field conditions with controlled CO ₂ supply. Agricultural crops were grown in Open Top Chambers or greenhouses and grasses in transparent tunnels made of Lexan. Soil processes and root respiration were studied in the Wageningen Rhizolab. Photosynthesis and assimilate partitioning were measured simultaneously in the photosynthesis laboratory. Simulation models appeared to be useful tools to quantify the consequences of elevated CO ₂ and climate change on the productivity of grasses and crops with different growth strategies.