Publication details
Contrasting below- and aboveground responses of two deciduous trees to patchy nitrate availability
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2008 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Tree Physiology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Botany |
| Keywords | aboveground heterogeneity; Acer rubrum; Betula papyrifera; nitrate reductase activity; nitrate uptake; patchy nitrate availability; sectoriality |
| Description | We investigated how patchy nitrate availability influences growth and functioning of plant roots, and generates, via vascular constraints on long-distance transport, aboveground heterogeneity in plant growth and chemistry. We examined two broadleaf tree species, Acer rubrum (L.) and Betula papyrifera (Marshall). There was no significant change in N uptake rates in the patchy treatment compared to the homogeneous treatment by either species. In Acer, patchy nitrate resulted in aboveground heterogeneity. Specifically, leaves above the N fertilized roots were larger and had higher chlorophyll content. In Betula, no aboveground heterogeneity was observed. Thus patchy nitrate availability alone can be responsible for heterogeneity in functioning, chemical composition, and shoot development, and is especially pronounced if vascular architecture restricts the movement of xylem sap. |
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