The recent publication in the renowned journal Science once again underscores the central role of the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein in researching the effects of climate change and drought on grasslands. Scientists from several countries utilized the unique infrastructure and expertise at Raumberg-Gumpenstein to investigate the impacts of a warmer, CO₂-rich climate on the water balance in inner-Alpine grasslands.
The study shows that elevated CO₂ levels and rising temperatures are permanently altering water use and soil hydrology. “Our results illustrate that future droughts in a warmer world could significantly restrict the mixing and availability of soil water. This has far-reaching consequences for land use, water supply, and ecosystem functions,” explains Dr. Jesse Radolinski, lead author of the study.
The "ClimGrass" climate simulation experiment, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and conducted at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, enabled precise temperature changes through heating and an increase in CO₂ levels in conjunction with drought by reducing water availability using rain canopies. This experimental setup allowed for multi-year observation of the effects of climate change on grassland, where high-resolution measurements of soil water movement played a crucial role. The combination of these factors under realistic field conditions provides unprecedented insights into the adaptability of ecosystems to extreme climatic conditions.
“Raumberg-Gumpenstein is an internationally recognized center for applied environmental research. The infrastructure and expertise available here allow us to address complex climate research questions that would otherwise be virtually impossible,” emphasize Markus Herndl and Andreas Schaumberger, co-authors and principal investigators of the experimental facility. The findings from this groundbreaking study are of global relevance, as they not only deepen our understanding of water resources under future climate conditions but also provide important insights for the sustainable management of grassland. The results offer a valuable foundation for developing resilient strategies for agricultural operations and nature conservation measures.
The research was made possible primarily through international collaborations, including the Universities of Innsbruck, Graz, and Basel, as well as through the generous support of the BML and other national and European funding programs.
Via Raumberg-Gumpenstein
The HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, as a department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BML), has stood for cutting-edge agricultural and ecological research for decades. With state-of-the-art technology, innovative approaches, and an interdisciplinary research environment, the institution plays a key role in developing solutions to the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
