Variable leaf nitrogen-phosphorus ratios and stable resorption strategies of Kandelia obovata along the southeastern coast of China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2024.121822
• Publication Date: 2024-03-13T20:08:01Z
• Authors: Xiaofang Shi; Lin Zhang; Chao Liu; Yamian Zhang; Mao Wang; Wenqing Wang

Coastal mangroves are strongly nutrient-limited, but a comprehensive understanding of nutrient concentration and resorption strategies in mangrove ecosystems is lacking. In this study, we measured leaf chemical stoichiometry the species Kandelia obovata winter (January) summer (July) at six sites covering latitudinal range (19°N to 28°N) China. Leaf nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) N:P ratio had distinct unimodal patterns along gradient both seasons. N P varied seasonally, with significantly (P < 0.01) lower levels than all sites. Seasonal differences were most pronounced higher latitude Nutrient efficiencies (NuRE) high mangroves, efficiency (NRE) consistently (PRE) across The average NRE was 70.86%, whereas PRE 52.73%. contrast variations ratios, variability NuREs NRE:PRE lower, less interseason variations. Notably, different Fugong Leizhou sites, ratios only Fuding site. Among potential factors controlling negatively related green during (R2 = 0.148, 0.036) positively sediment 0.165, 0.026) merged data two seasons 0.071, 0.039). Overall, results suggest that limited by N, limitation, stoichiometry, collectively influences strategies.