Direct evidence that symbiotic N 2 fixation in fertile grassland is an important trait for a strong response of plants to elevated atmospheric CO 2 . Peters, H.A., et al., 2000. Consumption rates and food preferences of slugs in a calcareous grassland under current and future CO 2 conditions. Van Ginkel, J.H., et al., 2000. The benefits of CO2 continue to accrue Plants grow faster.
Root systems improve.
Water-use efficiency rises. Drought resistance becomes stronger. Countless stresses are minimized. Many of our past essays have dealt with this expected greening up of today's deserts thereby sequestering additional carbon, improving rangelands in semi-arid areas, and increasing agricultural productivity in arid areas. An article in a recent issue of the Journal of Arid Environments brings us news of yet another biological benefit of elevated CO 2 .