Differential root nutrient‐acquisition strategies underlie biogeochemical niche separation between grasses and forbs across grassland biomes

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 38(10), P. 2286 - 2299

Published: Aug. 2, 2024

Abstract Plant nutrient composition is a reliable tool to identify plant ecological strategies and niche differentiation. Here, we aimed (i) reveal the potential physiological mechanisms governing distinct foliar compositions among coexisting grassland species (ii) clarify role of taxonomy environmental conditions in these compositions. At local (grassland) scale, measured root morphological traits, photosynthetic parameters concentrations six macronutrients (N, P, S, K, Ca Mg) four micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn Cu) across 18 species. regional macro‐ micronutrient 76 site‐species combinations grasses forbs temperate meadow, typical, desert saline grasslands were Inner Mongolia. national collected data on macronutrient 513 Xinjiang, Qinghai‐Tibet Mongolia China. Compared with forbs, had 3.9 times higher branching intensity, but 58% 48% lower carboxylate exudation leaf transpiration rate. These acquisition transport led Ca, Mg Mn) than at scale. Most did not differ between whereas regardless type both scales. All exhibited stronger phylogenetic conservatism less control micronutrients. The biogeochemical segregation (Euclidean distance based PCA score concentrations) sympatric was meadow grasslands. Our results suggest that diverse can underlie forbs. linkage differentiation will advance our understanding coexistence adaptive strategy. Read free Plain Language Summary for this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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The crop mined phosphorus nutrition via modifying root traits and rhizosphere micro‐food web to meet the increased growth demand under elevated CO₂

iMeta, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(6)

Published: Oct. 25, 2024

Elevated CO

Language: Английский

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Labile carbon input alleviates nitrogen‐induced community instability in a meadow steppe

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 14, 2025

Abstract Global nitrogen (N) deposition continues to threaten plant diversity and ecosystem stability despite a recent slowdown in its increasing rates. Labile carbon (C) may help reduce excess N by alleviating microbial C starvations, but their role mitigating the harmful effects of enrichment remains unclear. In meadow steppe northern China, we conducted 9‐year (2014–2022) field experiment with six levels historical addition (0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 g m −2 year −1 , 2014–2019) three labile 200, 2000 ). Three years after ceasing treatments (2020–2022), above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) remained high under addition. However, species richness community continued decline reduced dominance certain within while it enhanced asynchrony below‐ground (BNPP). Boosted regression tree models indicated that inputs improved enhancing BNPP, which increased relative importance BNPP from 7.5% 27.4% as input rose. Synthesis . Our results highlight how can counteract negative impacts on via plant‐microbe competition biomass allocation.

Language: Английский

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Coordinated variations in leaf and root biogeochemical niches

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 9, 2025

The biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis posits that each species has a specific elemental composition. However, the BN of roots and its interaction with leaf have largely been neglected until now across diverse environmental conditions. We investigated relationships between compositions leaves roots, phylogeny, variables, as well connection root BN. analyzed concentrations carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium in 12 394 individuals from 1238 species. Consistent hypothesis, despite significant differences their ratios we observed strong legacy (phylogenetic + species) signals species-specific compositions. This finding confirms can contribute to identifying niches. Our study revealed higher phylogenetic conservatism for than provided evidence tight association roots. results underscore broad applicability biomes demonstrate critical role evolutionary driving coordinated dynamics both above- belowground ecological

Language: Английский

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Plant evenness improves forage mineral content in semi-natural grasslands

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 387, P. 109622 - 109622

Published: March 19, 2025

Language: Английский

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Coordinated variation in elemental composition and morphology in leaves, but independence in roots across Chinese grasslands

Journal of Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 9, 2024

Abstract The biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis, which states that each species has a specific elemental concentration and stoichiometric proportions, yet to be tested in different organs from plants spanning broad environmental spectrum grasslands. As novel aspect, we the BN hypothesis by analysing leaf root composition (i.e. carbon, nitrogen phosphorus concentrations its ratios), as well morphological traits thickness, area, tissue density, diameter, length density) 139 across 82 sampling sites northern China's We also investigated relationships of BN, determined stoichiometry, with (MN), defined these found substantial amount variance concentrations, their ratios was explained legacy effects (phylogenetic + species). This demonstrates both morphology can serve valuable tools for identifying niches. Additionally, highly associated BN. These findings introduce new potential paradigm understanding highlighting significant connection between species‐specific compositions organs. Leaf MN were strongly correlated, supporting economics spectrum. However, independent other, indicating presence multidimensional Synthesis. Our demonstrate applicability relationship plant In this regard, our results suggest co‐evolve leaves but evolve differently roots among

Language: Английский

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