Responses of submerged macrophytes and periphyton to warming under two nitrogen scenarios: A microcosm study

Warming and higher nitrogen loading induced by increasing precipitation are expected scenarios in north temperate regions as consequence of global climate change, with potential effects on the functional traits submerged macrophytes periphyton. Using an experimental heating facility we investigated responses three-week growth two (Potamogeton crispus Linn. Elodea canadensis Michx.), periphyton these plants their artificial mimics. Analysis was based IPCC A2 (ca. + 3°C) 50% (called A3 our study) relative to ambient conditions, across warming spring early summer (summer showed loading). Some species-specific warming: promoted E. both seasons, while for P. reduced leaf number but enhanced turion production summer. Periphyton biomass lower summer, not spring. Our results further show that asexual reproduction might increase a warmer future. Moreover, found complex response temperature substrate type, varying season nutrient state.