Ecological stoichiometry of different organs of Gentianella turkestanorum in response to environmental factors at different altitudinal gradients
Abstract
Aims
Environmental
heterogeneity
induced
by
altitudinal
gradients
shapes
plant
survival
strategies.
This
study
investigates
how
Gentianella
turkestanorum
(Gand.)
adapts
its
stoichiometry
(C,
N,
P)
across
elevations
(2405.4–3000.6
m)
under
climatic
and
edaphic
drivers.
Methods
We
measured
C,
P
contents
ratios
(C:N,
C:P,
N:P)
in
roots,
stems,
leaves,
flowers,
whole
plants
seven
gradients,
integrating
climate
soil
data
to
analyze
driving
mechanisms.
Results
The
results
revealed
that
C
N
as
well
roots
significantly
increased
with
elevation,
while
floral
content
decreased.
Stoichiometric
showed
declining
C:N
(in
flowers)
C:P
leaves)
whereas
root
N:P
markedly
(7.88–16.23),
indicating
stronger
nitrogen
limitation
at
lower
altitudes
weakened
higher
elevations.
Climatic
factors
(mean
annual
temperature
precipitation)
predominantly
drove
stoichiometric
variation
(76.3%)
stems
(30.9%),
(total
nitrogen,
pH)
influenced
leaves
(17.3%)
flowers
(47.6%).
Climate-soil
interactions
contributed
most
(25.9%).
Whole-plant
synchronously,
elevated
N:P,
reflecting
adaptive
strategies
of
prioritizing
allocation
metabolic
organs
(roots
optimizing
resource
use
efficiency
(reduced
C:P).
Conclusions
reveals
divergence
multi-organ
alpine
plants,
validating
the
temperature-physiology
hypothesis.
propose
a
novel
climate-soil
synergy
mechanism
organ-specific
functional
differentiation,
offering
theoretical
foundations
for
nutrient
management
restoration
degraded
meadows
Research Square (Research Square), Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown
Опубликована: Май 5, 2025
Язык: Английский