Evidence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Limitation in Longleaf Pine Savanna Understories.

ABSTRACT: Due to anthropogenic pressures, only 3% of the historic extent of the biodiverse longleaf pine ecosystem remains, much of which is degraded. Fire is necessary for maintaining longleaf pine savanna structure, function, and biodiversity; however, it also creates resource constraints, as nutrients are volatilized, especially in the already nutrient-depleted soils of many longleaf pine savannas. Nutrient limitation and subsequent competition between plants can lead to changes in species diversity and productivity. Using a multiyear, chronic nutrient addition experiment, we explore how resource limitation influences restoration outcomes in longleaf pine savannas by affecting (1) productivity, (2) biodiversity metrics, and (3) community composition. In the field, we established a factorial N and

SUBMITTER: Young AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12450610 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature