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Published on: March 12, 2013
Herbivore dung quality affects plant community diversity
Elena Valdés-Correcher1,2, Judith Sitters1,3, Martin Wassen4
1Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
Herbivore dung nutrient content, not just quantity, significantly impacts plant diversity and community makeup. Stoichiometric variation in dung nutrients plays a key role in plant ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Science
- Nutrient Cycling
Background:
- Nutrient availability is crucial for plant community composition and diversity.
- Research predominantly focuses on inorganic nutrients, with limited understanding of organic nutrient impacts, such as herbivore dung.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variation in nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry of dung from different European herbivore species.
- To determine the impact of dung nutrient quality, compared to quantity, on plant community diversity and composition in a mesocosm setting.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and C:N:P ratios in dung from 11 European herbivore species.
- Assessed the effects of varying dung quality from five herbivore species on a mesocosm plant community.
Main Results:
- Dung from different herbivore species exhibited wide variations in nitrogen and phosphorus content and C:N:P ratios.
- Variations in dung quality significantly influenced plant community diversity and composition, with an impact as strong or stronger than manipulating dung quantity.
Conclusions:
- Both nutrient quantity and nutrient imbalances in herbivore dung are critical factors controlling plant species diversity.
- Herbivores significantly shape plant communities through selective foraging and the stoichiometric variation of nutrients in their dung.
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