Concentrations and resorption patterns of 13 nutrients in different plant functional types in the karst region of south-western China

• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcu005
• Publication Date: 2014-02-27T02:04:51Z
• Authors: Changcheng Liu; Yuguo Liu; Ke Guo; Shijie Wang; Yao Yang
• Keywords: Nutrient cycle; Biogeochemical Cycle

Elucidating the stoichiometry and resorption patterns of multiple nutrients is an essential requirement for a holistic understanding plant nutrition biogeochemical cycling. However, most studies have focused on nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P), largely ignored other nutrients. The current study aimed to determine relationships between leaf nutrient status 13 elements in karst vegetation region.Plant soil samples were collected from four types region south-western China divided into eight functional types. Samples newly expanded recently senesced leaves analysed concentrations boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), N, sodium (Na), P, sulphur (S) zinc (Zn).Nutrient plants lower than those normally found regions rest world, growth was mainly limited by P. Overall, revealed [N (resorption efficiency 34·6 %), P (48·4 K (63·2 %) Mg (13·2 %)], seven [B (-16·1 Ca (-44·0 Cu (-14·5 Fe (-205·5 Mn (-72·5 Mo (-35·6 Zn (-184·3 %)] showed accumulation two (Na S) no or accumulation. Resorption efficiencies B, Ca, differed among types, this strongly affected litter quality. increased with decreasing these green leaves. N:P, N:K N:Mg ratios predicted proficiency Mg, respectively.The results emphasize fact that depend element type, which provides new insights use strategies cycling ecosystems.