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Soil nutrient supply modulates temperature-induction cues in mast-seeding grasses
Andrew J Tanentzap1, William G Lee, David A Coomes
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EA, United Kingdom. ajt65@cantab.net
Ecology
|May 26, 2012
Summary
Plant masting, or mast seeding, is influenced by climate. Nutrient-rich soils lower the temperature needed for flowering in alpine grasses, affecting reproduction timing.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Biology
- Reproductive Ecology
Background:
- Mast seeding, a synchronized reproductive strategy in long-lived plants, is triggered by environmental cues.
- The variation in masting behavior among closely related species with different soil nutrient availabilities remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of soil nutrient supply on the climatic induction of flowering in alpine grasses.
- To test the hypothesis that nutrient-rich soils reduce the temperature threshold for flowering.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 37 years of flowering data for five alpine Chionochloa grass species in New Zealand.
- Modeling flowering probability in relation to summer and spring air temperatures.
- Correlation of flowering predictions with soil nitrogen (N) supply (ammonium + nitrate).
Main Results:
- Summer air temperatures were stronger predictors of flowering than spring temperatures.
- Species growing on nitrogen-rich soils exhibited a lower mean temperature requirement for flowering.
- Nutrient-rich soil conditions led to a more consistent flowering response across varying air temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Flowering in these alpine grasses is primarily driven by warm summer temperatures.
- Soil nutrient availability modulates the climatic requirements for flowering, with higher N supply lowering the necessary temperature.
- Predicting masting requires integrating climate, plant internal resources, and soil nutrient dynamics.
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