With Changing Global Precipitation Patterns, Will the Growth of Prairie Plants Be More Constrained by Reduced Rainfall Frequency or Reduced Rainfall Volume?

Abstract

Water deficits are a common limiting factor of plant growth. Many studies have looked at the effects of drought on plants, but few have independently compared the two ways a plant might experience reduced water availability: fewer rain events, or less water per event. This study investigated responses of the legume Lupinus perennis and the grass Agropyron repens to 50% reductions in rainfall frequency, total rainfall volume, or both.