N2-fixing red alder indirectly accelerates ecosystem nitrogen cycling
Ecosystems
By: Steven S. Perakis, Joselin J. Matkins, and David E. Hibbs
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Abstract
Symbiotic N2-fixing tree species can accelerate ecosystem N dynamics through decomposition via direct pathways by producing readily decomposed leaf litter and increasing N supply to decomposers, as well as via indirect pathways by increasing tissue and detrital N in non-fixing vegetation. To evaluate the relative importance of these pathways, we compared three-year decomposition and N dynamics of N2-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 N2-fixer effects on litter mass loss and N dynamics. Direct effects of N2-fixing red alder on decomposition occurred primarily as faster N release from red alder than Douglas-fir litter, but direct increases in N supply to decomposers via fertilization did not stimulate decomposition of any 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 N2-fixing vegetation can indirectly foster plant-soil feedbacks that contribute to the persistence of elevated N availability in terrestrial ecosystems.
Additional publication details
Publication type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | N2-fixing red alder indirectly accelerates ecosystem nitrogen cycling |
Series title | Ecosystems |
DOI | 10.1007/s10021-012-9579-2 |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 7 |
Year Published | 2012 |
Language | English |
Publisher | Springer |
Publisher location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
Contributing office(s) | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
Description | 12 p. |
Larger Work Type | Article |
Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
Larger Work Title | Ecosystems |
First page | 1182 |
Last page | 1193 |
Country | United States |