Direct uptake of soil nitrogen by mosses

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant Science
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Mosses are widespread, dominant in many ecosystems.
• They lack roots and vascular systems, suggesting limited soil nutrient access.
• Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and often limits terrestrial ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate mosses' ability to absorb nitrogen from soil and wet deposition.
• To determine if soil nitrogen uptake is a common trait among mosses.

Main Methods:

• Used stable isotope techniques (15N) to trace nitrogen uptake.
• Studied two distinct moss species in natural intact turfs.

Main Results:

• Both moss species showed increased shoot 15N after exposure to soil- or wet deposition-derived 15N.
• This confirms mosses can derive nitrogen directly from the soil.

Conclusions:

• Mosses likely acquire nitrogen from the soil, a previously unconfirmed ability.
• This soil N uptake may influence plant competition, community structure, and nutrient cycling.
• Mosses may be more vulnerable to nitrogen pollution than previously thought.