Interactive effects of elevated temperature and drought on plant carbon metabolism: A meta‐analysis

Elevated temperature (Te) and drought often co-occur and interactively affect plant carbon (C) metabolism and thus the ecosystem C cycling, but the magnitude of their interaction is unclear, making the projection of global change impacts challenging. Here, we compiled 107 journal articles in which temperature and water availability were jointly manipulated and performed a meta-analysis of interactive effects of Te and drought on leaf photosynthesis (Agrowth) and respiration (Rgrowth) at growth temperature, nonstructural carbohydrates and biomass of plants, and their dependencies on experimental and biological moderators (e.g., treatment intensity, plant functional type). Our results showed that, overall, there was no significant interaction of Te and drought on Agrowth. Te accelerated Rgrowth under well-watered conditions rather than under drought conditions. The Te × drought interaction on leaf soluble sugar and starch concentrations were neutral and negative, respectively. The effect ..., ,