- Scientists study a forest site over many years.
- They measure gases that come from the soil.
- One important gas they check is nitrogen.
- The researchers warmed parts of the forest plots.
- Warming made drier places even drier sometimes.
- In dry areas, nitrogen gas fell after warming.
- In wet areas, warming increased nitrogen emissions.
- Trees did not grow more in warmed plots.
- The team continues to watch trees and soil health.
Difficult words
- measure — find the amount or size with tools
- soil — the top layer of earth where plants grow
- nitrogen — a common gas in air and in soil
- warm — make something hotter in temperaturewarmed, warming
- dry — not having much water or moisturedrier
- emission — a gas or chemical released into the airemissions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you visit a forest?
- Is the place where you live dry or wet?
- Have you ever seen someone measure plants or soil?
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