Climate and taxonomy underlie different elemental concentrations and stoichiometries of forest species: the optimum "biogeochemical niche".

ABSTRACT: We previously hypothesised the existence of a "biogeochemical niche" occupied by each plant species. Different species should have a specific elemental composition, stoichiometry and allocation as a consequence of their particular metabolism, physiology and structure (morphology) linked to their optimal functioning under the environmental (abiotic and biotic) conditions where they have evolved. We tested this hypothesis using data from the Catalan Forestry Inventory that covers different forest groups growing under a large climatic gradient. Mediterranean species that occupy hotter-drier environments have lower leaf N, P and K concentrations than non-Mediterranean forest species. Within a determined climatic biome, different species competing in the same space have different elemental comp

SUBMITTER: Sardans J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4430814 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature