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N:P balance in wetland forests: Productivity across a biogeochemical continuum

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Abstract

The nature of and driving forces behind variation among wetland forests in terms of biogeochemistry and vegetation production are not well understood. We suggest that insight into biogeochemical and productivity differences may be gained by examining the degree to which nitrogen and phosphorus are balanced within wetland vegetation. On the basis of examinations of data related to N:P balance and nutrient use efficiencies, vegetation productivity in both depressional and riverine forests appears to be primarily N limited. In contrast to some current theories of wetland biogeochemistry, these data suggest that when P deficiency occurs at all, it represents a secondary productivity constraint in comparison to N. Similarly, a biogeochemical continuum is suggested for wetland forests based on the relationship between N:P ratios in senesced foliage vs. annual litterfall mass. We theorize that the position of a particular wetland forest on this continuum reflects the integration of its geomorphic position and biogeochemical history. In addition, the position of a particular system on the continuum may have predictive value with regard to net primary productivity and nutrient transformation capabilities.

Résumé

La nature et les forces agissantes á l’origine de la variation parmi les forêts marécageuses en ce qui concerne la biogéochimie et la production de la végétation ne sont pas bien comprises. Nous suggérons que la compréhension des différences entre la biogéochimie et la productivité peut être atteinte en examinant le degré auquel l’azote et le phosphore sont tenus en équilibre dans la végétation des marécages. Basé sur les études des données qui sont liées á l’équilibre entre l’azote et le phosphore (A:P) dans le feuillage et les efficacités de l’utilisation des substances nutritives, la productivité de la végétation dans les forêts dépressionelles et les forets fluviales semble être pour la plupart restreinte á l’azote. Par opposition á quelques théories courantes de la biogéochimie des marécages, ces données suggèrent que, lorsque un manque de phosphore se produit, il représente une contrainte secondaire sur la productivité par rapport á l’azote. Et de même, un continuum biogéochimique est suggéré pour les forêts marécageuses fondé sur le rapport entre les proportions (A:P) pour les masses de feuillage tombées automnal et annuel. Nous émmetons l’hypothèse que la position d’une forêt marécageuse particulière sur ce continuum montre bien l’intégration entre sa position géomorphique et son histoire biogéochimique. En plus, la position d’un système particulier sur ce continuum pent avoir une valeur prévisible en ce qui concerne la productivité primaire nette et les capacités des substances nutritives de se transformer.

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  1. School of Forestry, Auburn University, 108 M. W. Smith Hall, 36849-5418, Auburn, AL, USA

    B. G. Lockaby

  2. Baruch Forest Science Institute, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, 29442, Georgetown, SC, USA

    W. H. Conner

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  1. B. G. Lockaby
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Lockaby, B.G., Conner, W.H. N:P balance in wetland forests: Productivity across a biogeochemical continuum. Bot. Rev 65, 171–185 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02857626

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