Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Leaf Trait Analysis for Climate and Ecology Reconstruction in Modern and Ancient Plant Communities
Published on: October 25, 2024
Mineral nutrition and leaf longevity in an evergreen shrub, Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens
1Marine Biological Laboratory, The Ecosystems Center, 02543, Woods Hole, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Effects of variable mineral nutrient status on evergreen leaf longevity were investigated in a field fertilization experiment, and by comparison of plants from several sites. The species studied was Ledum palustre spp. decumbens, with a normal leaf life expectancy of 2.06 years and a maximum leaf longevity of 4.5-5.0 years. Most leaf losses took place during the growing season, not during the winter. Fertilization increased leaf production but decreased leaf survivorship. Total number of leaves per stem was unchanged with fertilization. In a comparison among sites, there was a moderate negative correlation between plant N and P concentrations and leaf longevity. These intraspecific responses are similar to known interspecific changes along nutrient gradients, i.e. with high nutrient availability a vegetation should become more "deciduous" and less "evergreen".
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Light Acquisition
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Responses to Salt Stress
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

