Plant coexistence depends on ecosystem nutrient cycles: extension of the resource-ratio theory.

ABSTRACT: We present a model of plant-nutrient interactions that extends classical resource competition theory to environments in which essential nutrients (resources) are recycled between plant and soil pools and dissolved nutrients are lost through plant-available (i.e., inorganic forms) or plant-unavailable (i.e., complex organic forms) pathways. Losses by dissolved organic pathways can alter ratios of nutrients that are recycled and supplied within the plant-soil system, thereby influencing competition and coexistence among plant species. In special cases, our extended model does not differ from classical models, but in more realistic cases our model introduces new dynamical behavior that influences competitive outcomes. At equilibrium, coexistence still depends on nutrient supply and consumptio

SUBMITTER: Daufresne T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1166585 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature