Why scientists watched grass grow in Harpenden for 170 years

As the experiment moves into its next century, much of the focus is on climate change.

Looking ahead to the next 170 years, Gregory said: “The most interesting will be the interactions with a changing climate and how the normal patterns of weather are maybe not going to be the case in the future.

Already, researchers can see specific patterns; for instance, drier springs and early summers tend to result in decreased yields.

He said higher levels of carbon dioxide could increase yields, but that benefit may be outweighed by drought.

Samples collected today may also help future scientists answer questions researchers have not yet thought of.

He said: “There’s traits that we don’t yet know, but which might be measured on the samples that we collect this year in decades ahead, I think it’s essentially adding to the history building on this legacy.”

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