Effects of dry spells on soil moisture and yield anomalies at a montane managed grassland site: A lysimeter climate experiment

Abstract The frequency and severity of droughts in the Alps are expected to increase due rising air temperatures changes precipitation regimes. Although biomass production humid mountain areas tends be energy limited rather than water limited, an may have negative impacts on availability thus agricultural yields. This study aimed analyse dry spells soil moisture yield anomalies at a montane permanent grassland site Austria. Dry time period from 2018 2020 were identified using Standardized Precipitation Index, Palmer Drought Severity Index Soil Moisture Anomaly Index. Data lysimeter climate experiment used evaluate drought storage under ambient manipulated conditions. results indicated occurrence three extreme between 2020. studied is generally considered nonwater‐limited ecosystem, most summer 2019 caused severe heated Only mild observed plots with elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. drought‐mitigating effect was attributed savings enabled by partial stomatal closure CO 2 . shorter spring late led more diverse effects; mildly moderately found plots, whereas tended less or even positive temperature. In contrast, some periods without stress showed effects heating yield. These findings suggest that depend both Higher temperature can if ecosystem limited. However, global warming suggests tendency limitation, which increased evaporative demand atmosphere aggravates has potentially