Scientists uncover response mechanisms of alpine plants phenology to climate change

LANZHOU -- Chinese scientists have uncovered the response mechanisms of alpine plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, shedding light on how to sustain plateau biodiversity, according to the Lanzhou University.

"This new study provides scientific support for the plant phenology of alpine ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and other plateaus. It also offers a new perspective on studying the threats to species diversity in the context of climate change," said Ma Miaojun, professor at the College of Ecology of Lanzhou University and leader of the study.

Plant phenology is sensitive to climate change. Alterations in phenology will further affect the intraspecific and interspecific relationships of species and ultimately determine the growth and reproduction of plants. Moreover, climate warming, shifts in precipitation patterns, and nitrogen deposition resulting from human activities may pose serious threats to biodiversity.

"To comprehensively understand response mechanisms of species diversity under climate change, especially those of alpine plants, we initiated this study based on consecutive in-situ monitoring and analysis," Ma said.

Over nine years from 2017 to 2025, researchers of the College of Ecology of Lanzhou University conducted a long-term observation at the Gansu Gannan Grassland Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station in the Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Northwest China's Gansu province.

"Here, the cold-resistant alpine plants grow at an altitude approximately 3,500 meters. This area is also home to a high diversity of plant species and high productivity," Ma said.

Researchers uncovered the phenological responses of alpine plants under climate change and their impacts on plant growth and reproduction have been systematically revealed through the periodic observation of continuous plant phenological events and the continuous monitoring of plant reproduction-related indicators.

Nitrogen enrichment significantly alters the species composition of alpine meadow plant communities, reduces the species diversity and dominance of plants, delays the start time of the bud stage, flowering stage and fruiting stage of plants, as well as the peak flowering time of plants, according to the study results.

The study also indicated that there are significant differences in the effects of warming on the phenology of plants with various flowering functional groups, as well as the growth rates of plants at different stages.

This long-term observation and study showed that the impact of climate change on the phenology of alpine plants will further affect plant growth and biomass productivity, as well as their reproductive performance.

The study results have been published in New Phytologist and Journal of Ecology, respectively.

"Our study will further sustain diverse studies on plant phenology of alpine ecosystems, such as invasion of alien species, coexistence of multiple species in communities and biodiversity management," Ma added.