Nitrogen Pollution Drives Westward Shift in European Forest Plants.
Recent research has revealed that nitrogen pollution, along with some impact from climate change, is the main reason for unexpected westward shifts in plant distributions in Europe. A study published in Science indicates that many forest plant species are moving west due to high levels of nitrogen deposition. This finding challenges the common belief that climate change is the primary factor pushing species northward.
Traditionally, it has been thought that rising temperatures force many species to seek cooler northern habitats. However, this new research shows that the westward movements of plants are 2.6 times more likely than their northward shifts. The main reason for this trend is high nitrogen levels from atmospheric pollution, which promotes the rapid spread of nitrogen-tolerant plant species, particularly from Eastern Europe.
The growth of these competitive species often occurs at the expense of more specialized plants, leading to changes in biodiversity.
The study emphasizes that future patterns of biodiversity will result from complex interactions among various environmental changes, rather than being solely due to climate change. Understanding these interactions is crucial for land managers and policymakers working to preserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health.
Key Findings:
European forest plants are shifting their distributions at an average rate of 3.56 kilometers per year.
39% of the studied plant species are moving westward, while only 15% are moving northward.
Nitrogen pollution, rather than climate change, is the main factor driving the westward shifts in plant distributions.
The study analyzed the distribution changes of 266 forest plant species across Europe over several decades, with initial measurements taken in 1933 at various locations. Notable forests included in the research are the iconic Białowieża primeval forest in Poland.
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