While photosynthesis does pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, much of that gas goes right back into the air. In a process known as respiration, plants pump out carbon dioxide instead of pulling it in. “Part of the story is that photosynthesis is going up, and part of the story is that so is respiration,” said Dr. Campbell. Extra Carbon Dioxide Can Make Plants Less NutritiousA number of studies indicate that plants that grow in extra carbon dioxide often end up containing lower concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen, copper and potassium. As more carbon dioxide gets into the atmosphere, the problem will grow.

Source: New York Times July 30, 2018 14:42 UTC