Diversification of Nitrogen Sources in Various Tundra Vegetation Types in the High Arctic.

ABSTRACT: Low nitrogen availability in the high Arctic represents a major constraint for plant growth, which limits the tundra capacity for carbon retention and determines tundra vegetation types. The limited terrestrial nitrogen (N) pool in the tundra is augmented significantly by nesting seabirds, such as the planktivorous Little Auk (Alle alle). Therefore, N delivered by these birds may significantly influence the N cycling in the tundra locally and the carbon budget more globally. Moreover, should these birds experience substantial negative environmental pressure associated with climate change, this will adversely influence the tundra N-budget. Hence, assessment of bird-originated N-input to the tundra is important for understanding biological cycles in polar regions. This study analyzed the sta

SUBMITTER: Skrzypek G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4574312 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature