ISSN:
1432-1939
Keywords:
Foliar nutrients
;
Resorption
;
Succession
;
Nitrogen
;
Phosphorus
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Leaves were sampled in a successional, southern Appalachian forest to estimate autumn foliar nutrient dynamics. Resorption of N and P in a successional forest equaled, or exceeded, resorption estimates for a more mature control forest. Foliar nutrient leaching was not sufficient to account for changes in autumn leaf N, P, Ca and Mg concentrations. The resorption process conserves nutrients by reducing nutrient losses from leaching and litter-fall, thereby closing the nutrient cycle in successional forests. We hypothesize that rapid recovery of primary productivity early in forest regeneration is the result of maximum nutrient resorption of limiting nutrients. Implications of these results for successional nutrient cycling theory are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00377517
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