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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil
Published on: September 1, 2020
The Mauna Loa environmental matrix: foliar and soil nutrients
Peter M Vitousek1, Gregory Aplet1, Douglas Turner1
1Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, 94305, Stanford, CA, USA.
Soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus accumulation in Hawaiian forests increase with lava flow age. Nutrient availability is higher in dry sites despite slower accumulation, with greatest accumulation at higher elevations on old flows.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Soil Science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Metrosideros polymorpha is a dominant native species in Hawaiian ecosystems.
- Lava flows of varying ages and types (áá and pāhoehoe) present distinct substrates for ecosystem development.
- Elevation and climate (wet vs. dry) are major factors influencing ecological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify soil and foliar nutrient accumulation across a chronosequence of lava flows on Mauna Loa, Hawai'i.
- To investigate the influence of lava flow age, texture, climate, and elevation on nutrient dynamics.
- To understand nutrient availability for the dominant plant species, Metrosideros polymorpha.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of 9 lava flows varying in age (<140 to >2800 years) and type (áá and pāhoehoe).
- Analysis of total soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
- Measurement of available soil nutrients and foliar nutrient concentrations in Metrosideros polymorpha.
Main Results:
- Soil element pools and nutrient availability increased with lava flow age, irrespective of climate.
- Dry sites showed slower organic matter and nutrient accumulation but greater relative nutrient availability to plants.
- Nutrient accumulation was fastest at lower elevations on young flows, but largest accumulations occurred at higher elevations on old flows.
Conclusions:
- Lava flow age is a primary driver of soil and nutrient accumulation in this Hawaiian ecosystem.
- Plant nutrient availability is modulated by a complex interplay of accumulation rates and site conditions (e.g., moisture).
- The study encompasses key factors governing ecosystem structure and function across a volcanic landscape.
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
The Soil Ecosystem
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
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