Combined warming and rising CO2 limit phosphorus availability in rice paddies

Key Points

• Reduced phosphorus availability in rice paddies affects plant nutrition and yields, which is critical for food production.
• Phosphorus levels dropped by an estimated 20% under combined warming and elevated CO2 conditions in controlled environments.
• Assessment using climate models and field data highlights the importance of nutrient management under changing climate conditions.
• Impacts on nutrient availability may lead to significant challenges for rice farmers, necessitating adaptive strategies.