Author
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IDSO, SHERWOOD |
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IDSO, KEITH - CTR STDY CO2 & GC TEMPE |
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Submitted to: Environmental and Experimental Botany
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2001 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: In light of the fact that the air's CO2 concentration has been steadily rising since the inception of the Industrial Revolution, it is only prudent that we attempt to determine what effect this phenomenon might have on the quality of animal forage and human food. Evidence collected to date suggests that many changes will likely occur as the air's CO2 content continues to rise, some positive and some negative. Overall, there is reason for optimism, particularly in the areas of food vitamin contents and medicinal properties. Already there is incontrovertible evidence for increasing health in old age in the industrialized countries of the world as a consequence of demonstrable reductions in degenerative aging processes, such as would be expected as a consequence of CO2-induced increases in these food properties. The exposition of these facts should generate intense activity in this important area of research and should ultimately benefit all mankind. Technical Abstract: Atmospheric CO2 enrichment is known to significantly enhance the growth and development of nearly all plants, implying a potential for elevated levels of CO2 to alter the concentrations of plant constituents related to animal and human health. Our review of this subject indicates that increases in the air's CO2 content typically lead to reductions in the nitrogen and protein concentrations of animal-sustaining forage and human-sustaining cereal grains when soil nitrogen levels are sub- optimal. When plants are supplied with all the nitrogen they can use, however, no such reductions are observed. CO2-enriched plants growing in the natural environment also tend to overcome initial reductions in plant mineral concentrations as time progresses, possibly due to development of larger root systems and consequent enhanced abilities to locate and absorb mineral nutrients. Atmospheric CO2 enrichment additionally appears to reduce oxidative stresses in plants, and it has been shown to increase the concentration of vitamin C in certain fruits and vegetables. Elevated CO2 has also been demonstrated to increase the biomass of plants grown for medicinal purposes while simultaneously increasing the concentrations of the disease-fighting substances produced within them. It is likely, therefore, that the ongoing rise in the air's CO2 content will continue to increase food production around the world, while maintaining the nutritive quality of that food and enhancing the production of certain disease-inhibiting plant compounds. |
