Study: Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems

February 23, 2014

As per study led by University of Minnesota researchers, the fertilization of natural grasslands, either intentionally or unintentionally as a side effect of global farming and industry, is having a destabilizing effect on global grassland ecosystems.

About the study on “Fertilization destabilizes Global Grassland Ecosystems”

First international experiment by using a network of natural grassland research sites around the world known as Nutrient Network (or NutNet).
Assessed the effect of fertilizer on 41 sites across 5 continents.
The experimental network included eco-systems from alpine areas of China to Serengeti in Tanzania.
Outcome: Found that plant diversity in natural ecosystems creates more stable ecosystems over time because of less synchronized growth of plants.
Also found that grassland diversity and stability reduces when fertilizers added.
In other words, the balance output of the ecological safety net on addition of fertilizer was upset across diverse grassland as the various organisms in those disappeared.
NutNet is a “grassroots campaign” that is supported by scientists who volunteer their time and resources.
Published in the international journal Nature.