Foliar nutrient allocation patterns in Banksia attenuata and Banksia sessilis differing in growth rate and adaptation to low-phosphorus habitats.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are essential nutrients that frequently limit primary productivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Efficient use of these nutrients is important for plants growing in nutrient-poor environments. Plants generally reduce foliar P concentration in response to low soil P availability. We aimed to assess ecophysiological mechanisms and adaptive strategies for efficient use of P in Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae), naturally occurring on deep sand, and B. sessilis, occurring on shallow sand over laterite or limestone, by comparing the allocation of P among foliar P fractions.

Methods

We carried out pot experiments with slow-growing B. attenuata, which resprouts after fire, and faster growing opportunistic B. sessilis, which is killed by

SUBMITTER: Han Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8414927 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature