Abstract
Background and aims
The deposition of atmospheric N is expected to increase in the future; however, our understanding of the responses of C:N stoichiometry to N deposition in plants, soil, and microorganisms remains elusive. We aim to explore the general patterns and mechanisms of terrestrial C:N stoichiometry to N addition.
Methods
We present a global meta-analysis based on 827 paired observations from 183 studies to evaluate the responses of above- and belowground C and N concentrations ([C] and [N]) and C:N ratios across various ecosystems to N addition. Using linear mixed-effects models, we tested the effects of N input rates, experimental duration, ecosystem types and background climates on the responses.
Results
N addition increased [C] in plant shoots and soil, [N] in plant tissues and soil, but decreased microbial biomass [C], and C:N ratios in plant tissues, soil, and microbial biomass. These responses were more pronounced with higher N input rates and longer experimental durations. These N addition effects were similar among cropland, forest, and grassland ecosystems and were independent of background climates.
Conclusions
Our meta-analysis provided further evidence of the consistent responses of C:N stoichiometry in plants, soil, and microorganisms to N addition. Our results will be useful to modelling the responses of terrestrial C and N cycles to various N deposition scenarios.
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Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientists whose work was included in this meta-analysis. This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2016YFD0600204) and Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD).
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The data and R codes supporting the results of this study were archived in Figshare (data: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.12640652 and R code: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.12640688).
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Sun, Y., Wang, C., Chen, H.Y.H. et al. Responses of C:N stoichiometry in plants, soil, and microorganisms to nitrogen addition. Plant Soil 456, 277–287 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-020-04717-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-020-04717-8