Continuous increase in evaporative demand shortened the growing season of European ecosystems in the last decade

Despite previous reports on European growing seasons lengthening due to global warming, evidence shows that this trend has been reversing in the past decade due to increased transpiration needs. Using an innovative method and space-based observations, the study determined the timing of greening and dormancy to assess trends and causes. Early greening persists but at slower rates. A recent (2011–2020) shift in dormancy timing has shortened the season length back to 1980s levels. This is primarily attributed to higher atmospheric water demand in summer, suppressing transpiration even at previous soil moisture levels. Results have implications for future management of European ecosystems.

Mehdi Rahmati, Alexander Graf, Christian Poppe Terán, Wulf Amelung, Wouter Dorigo, Harrie-Jan Hendricks Franssen, Carsten Montzka, Dani Or, Matthias Sprenger, Jan Vanderborght, Niko E. C. Verhoest, Harry Vereecken