Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unraveling Plant Responses to Abiotic Stresses Using the PlantScreen Robotic Platform
Published on: June 7, 2024
The role of nutrients in drought-induced tree mortality and recovery
Arthur Gessler1, Marcus Schaub1, Nate G McDowell2
1Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, 8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Contents 513 I. 513 II. 514 III. 517 518 References 518 SUMMARY: Global forests are experiencing rising temperatures and more severe droughts, with consistently dire forecasts for negative future impacts. Current research on the physiological mechanisms underlying drought impacts is focused on the water- and carbon-associated mechanisms. The role of nutrients is notably missing from this research agenda. Here, we investigate what role, if any, forest nutrition plays for survival and recovery of forests during and after drought. High nutrient availability may play a detrimental role in drought survival due to preferential biomass allocation aboveground that (1) predispose plants to hydraulic constraints limiting photosynthesis and promoting hydraulic failure, (2) increases carbon costs during periods of carbon starvation, and (3) promote biotic attack due to low tissue carbon: nitrogen (C : N). When nutrient uptake occurs during drought, high nutrient availability can increase water use efficiency thus minimizing negative feedbacks between carbon and nutrient balance. Nutrients are released after drought ceases, which might promote faster recovery but the temporal dynamics of microbial immobilization and nutrient leaching have a significant impact on nutrient availability. We provide a framework for understanding nutrient impacts on drought survival that allows a more complete analysis of forest ecosystem responses.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Responses to Salt Stress
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress

