Abstract
Purpose
Much is known about growth and nutrient uptake traits and ecological stoichiometry in natural systems. However, these concepts have been comparatively understudied in agricultural systems despite their potential to infer nutrient limitation and interspecific resource competition.
Methods
This study established a model mixed pasture system to assess tissue C:N and C:P stoichiometry and aboveground biomass (AGB) in a grass (Phalaris aquatica) and legume (Trifolium vesiculosum) under factorial inputs of high and low nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), in monoculture and mixture. Due to inherent trait diversity, we expected grass and legume growth, shoot vs root stoichiometry and N:P homeostasis to differ in response to nutrient limitation and between monoculture and mixture.
Results
Grass AGB was greater with N addition and in mixture, and legume AGB was decreased by N but increased by P, more so in mixture. Nutrient limitation in grass was determined via a strong coupling of growth with shoot stoichiometry, by which AGB decreased and C:N increased under N limitation. Legume growth was not correlated with tissue stoichiometry, but potential for growth limitation by N and P was detected via increased shoot C:N under low N and P, and C:P under low P. Legume shoot N:P was more homeostatic than grass, and grass shoot N:P homeostasis was greater in mixtures than in monocultures.
Conclusions
Integrating ecological stoichiometry alongside trait-based ecology is a useful tool for predicting how fertiliser management may affect nutrient balance and species dominance in mixed pasture agroecosystems.
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Availability of Data and Material
Data and material for this manuscript are available publicly at https://doi.org/10.25909/12895121.
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Funding
Funding for this project was provided by an Australian Plant Phenomics Facility postgraduate award to Kirsten Ball. Additional funds were provided by an Australian Postgraduate Award scholarship from the University of Western Sydney.
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KB designed and managed the experiment, performed statistical analyses, and wrote the manuscript. SW consulted on the experimental design and directed the development of the manuscript. SP and EP supervised the progress of the experimental design and statistical analyses and directed the development of the manuscript. BB consulted on experimental design, managed the experiment and directed the development of the manuscript. CB produced the experimental design, performed the linear mixed model analyses and consulted on the manuscript.
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The authors wish to recognize that this study was conducted at the University of Adelaide on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people.
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Ball, K.R., Woodin, S.J., Power, S.A. et al. Integrating Ecological Stoichiometry to Understand Nutrient Limitation and Potential for Competition in Mixed Pasture Assemblages. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 21, 2489–2500 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-021-00539-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-021-00539-4