A meta-analysis of leaf nitrogen distribution within plant canopies.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Leaf nitrogen distribution in the plant canopy is an important determinant for canopy photosynthesis. Although the gradient of leaf nitrogen is formed along light gradients in the canopy, its quantitative variations among species and environmental responses remain unknown. Here, we conducted a global meta-analysis of leaf nitrogen distribution in plant canopies.

Methods

We collected data on the nitrogen distribution and environmental variables from 393 plant canopies (100, 241 and 52 canopies for wheat, other herbaceous and woody species, respectively).

Key results

The trends were clearly different between wheat and other species; the photosynthetic nitrogen distribution coefficient (Kb) was mainly determined by leaf area index (LAI) in wheat, wher

SUBMITTER: Hikosaka K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4970363 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature