Rainforests can buffer rising CO₂ in the short term—but this comes at a cost
Tropical rainforests, particularly understory trees in the Amazon, can temporarily increase carbon uptake and growth under elevated CO₂ levels, according to a new study. This short-term benefit relies on enhanced root activity and nutrient recycling, especially for phosphorus. However, long-term carbon sequestration may be limited by nutrient depletion and increased competition with soil microbes. The findings highlight a critical trade-off between initial carbon buffering and future ecosystem constraints.
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April 28, 2026 Rainforests can buffer rising CO₂ in the short term—but this comes at a cost by Technical University Munich edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Robert Egan Lisa Lock scientific editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Robert Egan associate editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source Effect of eCO2 on plant nutrient acquisition strategies, nutrient concentration in the litter layer and up to 15 cm in the soil, and microbial activity in the soil in a…
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