Multielement stoichiometry in Quercus variabilis under natural phosphorus variation in subtropical China

Plant stoichiometry in relation to environmental factors has recently received increasing attention. However, regulations and variations of plant elements in different environments are not well understood. We investigated homeostasis and variation of macroelements (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), essential microelements (Fe, Mn, and Zn) and non-essential elements (Al) in Quercus variabilis leaves at a range of natural P concentration from P-rich to P-deficient (typical subtropical conditions) soils. The results showed that element ratios were more stable (except for C:P and Mn:P) than individual element concentrations. Of the individual elements, protein-related elements (e.g. N, S, and Fe) were correlated with leaf P while non-protein elements (e.g. C, K, and Ca) were not. The degree of homeostasis indicated that macroelements (N, P, and Ca) concentrations were more variable than microelements (Mn, Zn, and Al) under a varying element concentration in soils. These results suggest that local P-rich geochemistry alters leaf element concentrations, but not element ratios, and that plants are capable of meeting their needs for elements in certain proportions to achieve optimal performance under varying elemental conditions.