Climate change has a major impact on plant growth. FACE experiments allow us to simulate the future atmospheric conditions to better understand how plants will respond to new conditions. In this thesis I will summarize the last 30 years of FACE experiments by reviewing scientific articles. It has been shown that elevated CO2 concentrations can contribute to increased photosynthesis and consequently better growth and higher yields in many plants. However, the results vary greatly depending on the plant species. It has also been shown that plant response to CO2 must be supported by an increased supply of nutrients, otherwise the plants (crop yields) may be of poorer quality (lower content of certain elements). An adequate supply of nitrogen is critical to the growth effects of CO2. Plants that form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria have great potential to benefit from elevated CO2. At the same time, mycorrhizal fungi, with which plants exchange unused non-structural carbohydrates produced by enhanced photosynthesis, can greatly improve the supply of mineral nutrients. CO2 concentration also affects leaf stomata, which are more closed at higher concentrations. This way, plants can save some water, but lose some of the cooling capacity. Elevated CO2 concentration affects the entire ecosystem, including pests, plant diseases and pollinators. The response to elevated carbon dioxide concentrations depends on other environmental factors such as temperature, water availability, ozone and others. Some FACE experiments allow exploration of the interactions.
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