Decreasing control of precipitation on grassland spring phenology in temperate China

摘要: AIM: Vegetation phenology is highly sensitive to climate change. The timing of spring in temperate grasslands regulated primarily by temperature and precipitation. aim this study was determine whether the primary factor regulating vegetation has changed under ongoing change underlying mechanisms. LOCATION: Temperate semi‐dry China. TIME PERIOD: 1982–2015. MAJOR TAXA STUDIED: grassland. METHODS: We extracted start season (SOS) dates using five standard methods from satellite‐derived normalized difference index (NDVI) data determined partial correlation analysis. RESULTS: SOS date did not significantly during entire 1982–2015 period these grasslands, but interannual variability increased first subperiod [1982–1998, 8.8 ± 1.1 days (mean ± SE)] second (1999–2015, 10.3 ± 1.1 days). Interestingly, we found that shifted precipitation 1982–1998 1999–2015. Specifically, period, 67.5% area (mean coefficient, r = 0.58 ± 0.16), main 75.0% (r = 0.61 ± 0.14). MAIN CONCLUSIONS: driver attributed mainly significant increases preseason Our highlights response climatic factors might This shift should be addressed models simulate grassland better, addition its impact on carbon water cycles future conditions.