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Physiological ecology of plants of the wet tropics pp 139–154Cite as

Nutrient Balance and Physiological Processes at the Leaf Level

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Part of the book series: Tasks for vegetation Science ((TAVS,volume 12))

Abstract

The leaf mineral nutrient content, its seasonal variation and its eco-physiological significance in tree species of tropical plant communities is reviewed. Leaf span of tropical trees ranges from 6–9 months in deciduous species (rain-green type) up to little more than one year in evergreen species (annual evergreens). Leaves of deciduous species are characterized by lower specific leaf weights and higher nitrogen and phosphorus content per unit dry weight. Differences in leaf nutrient content are minimized when expressed on an area basis, this should be the unit for seasonal comparisons because of its relative constancy after full leaf expansion. Photosynthesis is related to leaf nitrogen content, but future studies should include a fractionation of nitrogen in order to differentiate the accumulation of nitrogenous substances not metabolically related to photosynthesis. The study of nutrient use efficiency in production and growth is emphasized to understand the processes of selection in nutrient rich and nutrient poor environments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Ecologîa, IVIC. Aptdo., 1827, Caracas, Venezuela

    Ernesto Medina

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  1. Ernesto Medina
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E. Medina H. A. Mooney C. Vázquez-Yánes

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© 1984 Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague

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Medina, E. (1984). Nutrient Balance and Physiological Processes at the Leaf Level. In: Medina, E., Mooney, H.A., Vázquez-Yánes, C. (eds) Physiological ecology of plants of the wet tropics. Tasks for vegetation Science, vol 12. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7299-5_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-7299-5_11

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-009-7301-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-7299-5

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