Functional traits' annual variation exceeds nitrogen-driven variation in grassland plant species.

ABSTRACT: Effective application of functional trait approaches to ecological questions requires understanding the patterns of trait variation within species as well as between them. However, few studies address the potential for intraspecific variation to occur on a temporal basis and, thus, for trait-based findings to be contingent upon sampling year. To quantify annual variation in the functional traits of grassland plant species, we measured specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, plant height, and chlorophyll content in 12 shortgrass prairie plant species. We repeated these measurements across 4 years, both in long-term nitrogen addition plots and in corresponding control plots. Three of the four traits showed significant year-to-year variation in a linear mixed model analysis, generally fo

SUBMITTER: Wheeler GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10078297 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature