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N-Fixing Red Alder Indirectly Accelerates Ecosystem Nitrogen Cycling.
- Source :
-
Ecosystems . Nov2012, Vol. 15 Issue 7, p1182-1193. 12p. 1 Diagram, 4 Charts, 2 Graphs. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Symbiotic N-fixing tree species can accelerate ecosystem N dynamics through decomposition feedbacks via both direct and indirect pathways. Direct pathways include the production of readily decomposed leaf litter and increased N supply to decomposers, whereas indirect pathways include increased tissue N and altered detrital dynamics of non-fixing vegetation. To evaluate the relative importance of direct and indirect pathways, we compared 3-year decomposition and N dynamics of N-fixing red alder leaf litter (2.34% N) to both low-N (0.68% N) and high-N (1.21% N) litter of non-fixing Douglas-fir, and decomposed each litter source in four forests dominated by either red alder or Douglas-fir. We also used experimental N fertilization of decomposition plots to assess elevated N availability as a potential mechanism of N-fixer effects on litter mass loss and N dynamics. Direct effects of N-fixing red alder on decomposition occurred primarily as faster N release from red alder than Douglas-fir litter. Direct increases in N supply to decomposers via experimental N fertilization did not stimulate decomposition of either species litter. Fixed N indirectly influenced detrital dynamics by increasing Douglas-fir tissue and litter N concentrations, which accelerated litter N release without accelerating mass loss. By increasing soil N, tissue N, and the rate of N release from litter of non-fixers, we conclude that N-fixing vegetation can indirectly foster plant-soil feedbacks that contribute to the persistence of elevated N availability in terrestrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14329840
- Volume :
- 15
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Ecosystems
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 82504781
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-012-9579-2