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Nitrogen content in fine roots and the structural and functional adaptations of alpine plants

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Abstract

A difference in the adaptation of plants to rich and poor soils is observed at the intraregional level. The nitrogen and carbon content in fine roots and its relation to the taxonomic position and ecologo-morphological traits of a plant has been studied in 92 alpine plant species of the northwestern Caucasus. The nitrogen content varies from 0.43% (Bromus variegates) to 3.75% (Corydalis conorhiza), with the mean value equal to 1.3%. The carbon content varies from 40.3% (Corydalis conorhiza) to 51.7% (Empetrum nigrum), with the mean value equal to 43.4%. The average C: N ratio in fine roots is 34: 1, which is higher than the same value observed in other regions. Roots of dicotyledons have a higher nitrogen content than those of monocotyledons. The highest and lowest values of this parameter are observed in Fabaceae (2.1%) and Poaceae (1.3%), respectively. The highest and lowest carbon concentrations were observed in roots of Ericaceae (47.2%) and Ranunculaceae (42.1%), respectively. Among the species studied, the carbon content in roots increases in the following order: geophytes < hemicryptophytes < chamephytes. The specific root length positively and negatively correlates with the nitrogen and carbon content in roots, respectively. Large-leaved species, which have a higher specific leaf area, are characterized by higher nitrogen and lower carbon content in their roots. The content of nitrogen and carbon in fine roots positively correlates with their content in leaves. This fact confirms the association between the ecologo-morphological traits of plants and the chemical composition of their fine roots. Plant species with a higher growth rate are characterized by a higher nitrogen and lower carbon content in their roots; they are also characterized by the arbuscular mycorrhyza, a higher seed production, and larger leaves with a higher water content and a higher specific leaf area. These traits correspond to the plants of the competitive and ruderal strategies. On the other hand, stress-tolerant (patient) plants with adaptations to low nutrient levels and low growth rate are characterized by higher carbon and lower nitrogen content in fine roots, smaller leaves with a low specific leaf area, and a low seed production.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aliev Karachai-Cherkess State University, ul. Lenina 29, Karachaevsk, Karachai-Cherkess Republic, 369202, Russia

    F. S. Salpagarova & V. G. Onipchenko

  2. Department of Systems Ecology, Institute of Ecological Science, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands

    R. S. P. van Logtestijn

  3. Geobotanical Department, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia

    V. G. Onipchenko

  4. Teberda State Biosphere Reserve, per. Badukskii 1, Teberda, Karachai-Cherkess Republic, 369210, Russia

    V. G. Onipchenko & A. A. Akhmetzhanova

  5. Perm State Pedagogical University, Perm, 614000, Russia

    V. A. Agafonov

Authors
  1. F. S. Salpagarova
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  2. R. S. P. van Logtestijn
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  3. V. G. Onipchenko
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  4. A. A. Akhmetzhanova
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  5. V. A. Agafonov
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Correspondence to V. G. Onipchenko.

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Original Russian Text © F.S. Salpagarova, R.S.P. van Logtestijn, V.G. Onipchenko, A.A. Akhmetzhanova, V.A. Agafonov, 2013, published in Zhurnal Obshchei Biologii, 2013, Vol. 74, No. 3, pp. 190–200.

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Salpagarova, F.S., van Logtestijn, R.S.P., Onipchenko, V.G. et al. Nitrogen content in fine roots and the structural and functional adaptations of alpine plants. Biol Bull Rev 4, 243–251 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1134/S2079086414030074

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S2079086414030074

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