Symbiotic N fixation is sufficient to support net aboveground biomass accumulation in a humid tropical forest.

ABSTRACT: Symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation has been shown to support carbon storage in young regenerating tropical forests, but N-fixing trees can also be strong competitors with non-fixing trees, making it unclear which mechanism drives long term patterns in biomass accretion. Many tropical forests have excess N, but factors such as rising atmospheric CO₂ or selective cutting practices might induce additional N demand. Here we combine decades of stem inventory data, in-situ measures of symbiotic N fixation, and simulations of N demand to evaluate demographic and biogeochemical controls on biomass dynamics in legume-rich lowland forests of Trinidad. We document sustained net biomass accumulation and high rates of N fixation in these forests, regardless of the timing of selective timber har

SUBMITTER: Brookshire ENJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6527854 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature