Influence of vapor pressure deficit on vegetation growth in China

Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) plays a crucial role in determining plant physiological functions and exerts a substantial influence on vegetation, second only to carbon dioxide (CO₂). As a robust indicator of atmospheric water demand, VPD has implications for global water resources, and its significance extends to the structure and functioning of ecosystems. However, the influence of VPD on vegetation growth under climate change remains unclear in China. This study employed empirical equations to estimate the VPD in China from 2000 to 2020 based on meteorological reanalysis data of the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) Time-Series version 4.6 (TS4.06) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Reanalysis 5 (ERA-5). Vegetation growth status was characterized using three vegetation indices, namely gross primary productivity (GPP), leaf area index (LAI), and near-infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRv). The spatiotemporal dynamics of VPD and vegetation indices were analyzed using the Theil-Sen median trend analysis and Mann-Kendall test. Furthermore, the influence of VPD on vegetation growth and its relative contribution were assessed using a multiple linear regression model. The results indicated an overall negative correlation between VPD and vegetation indices. Three VPD intervals for the correlations between VPD and vegetation indices were identified: a significant positive correlation at VPD below 4.820 hPa, a significant negative correlation at VPD within 4.820–9.000 hPa, and a notable weakening of negative correlation at VPD above 9.000 hPa. VPD exhibited a pronounced negative impact on vegetation growth, surpassing those of temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation in absolute magnitude. CO₂ contributed most positively to vegetation growth, with VPD offsetting approximately 30.00% of the positive effect of CO₂. As the rise of VPD decelerated, its relative contribution to vegetation growth diminished. Additionally, the intensification of spatial variations in temperature and precipitation accentuated the spatial heterogeneity in the impact of VPD on vegetation growth in China. This research provides a theoretical foundation for addressing climate change in China, especially regarding the challenges posed by increasing VPD.