An overview of research progress on responses of grassland ecosystems to global warming based on infrared heating experiments

Abstract

In order to understand the mechanisms in the responses of grassland ecosystems to global warming, this paper overviews the principle, the warming effect, and the advantages and disadvantages of infrared heating techniques. Recent advancement in research on the responses of grassland ecosystems to climate warming by using infrared heating techniques is reviewed, which covers the areas of plant phenology, photosynthetic physiology, growth and development, community structure and function, and soil characteristics, especially underground processes of plant communities. The key future research needs on the responses of grassland ecosystems to global warming are suggested.