Plant response to nutrient availability across variable bedrock geologies
Ecosystems
By: S.C. Castle and J. C. Neff
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
We investigated the role of rock-derived mineral nutrient availability on the nutrient dynamics of overlying forest communities (Populus tremuloides and Picea engelmanni-Abies lasiocarpa v. arizonica) across three parent materials (andesite, limestone, and sandstone) in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Broad geochemical differences were observed between bedrock materials; however, bulk soil chemistries were remarkably similar between the three different sites. In contrast, soil nutrient pools were considerably different, particularly for P, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Despite variations in nutrient stocks and nutrient availability in soils, we observed relatively inflexible foliar concentrations and foliar stoichiometries for both deciduous and coniferous species. Foliar nutrient resorption (P and K) in the deciduous species followed patterns of nutrient content across substrate types, with higher resorption corresponding to lower bedrock concentrations. Work presented here indicates a complex plant response to available soil nutrients, wherein plant nutrient use compensates for variations in supply gradients and results in the maintenance of a narrow range in foliar stoichiometry. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.
Suggested Citation
Castle, S., and Neff, J.C., 2009, Plant response to nutrient availability across variable bedrock geologies: Ecosystems, v. 12, no. 1, p. 101-113, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-008-9210-8.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Plant response to nutrient availability across variable bedrock geologies |
| Series title | Ecosystems |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10021-008-9210-8 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication Date | November 04, 2008 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Ecosystems |
| First page | 101 |
| Last page | 113 |