Nutrient enrichment increases invertebrate herbivory and pathogen damage in grasslands

Plant damage by invertebrate herbivores and pathogens influences the dynamics of grassland ecosystems, but anthropogenic changes in nitrogen phosphorus availability can modify these relationships. Using a globally distributed experiment, we describe leaf on 153 plant taxa from 27 grasslands worldwide, under ambient conditions with experimentally elevated phosphorus. Invertebrate significantly increased addition, especially grasses non-leguminous forbs. Pathogen legumes not Effects were generally weaker. Damage was higher more precipitation, climatic did change effects nutrients damage. On average, relatively pathogen grasses. Community-weighted mean reflected functional group patterns, no N community-weighted (due to opposing responses forbs) stronger consistent forbs). Synthesis. As human-induced inputs continue increase, understanding their impacts becomes increasingly important. Our results demonstrate that eutrophication frequently increases precipitation across wide array grasslands. is likely increase future, potential consequences for plant, communities, as well transfer energy trophic levels.