Nitrogen availability in soil controls uptake of different nitrogen forms by plants
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Plant roots absorb nitrogen (N) in various forms, with most species preferring nitrate over ammonium. Soil N availability influences uptake rates, impacting N cycling in grasslands.
Area Of Science
- Plant biology
- Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
Background
- Nitrogen (N) uptake by plant roots is a major terrestrial N cycle flux.
- Comprehensive analysis of plant uptake for diverse inorganic and organic N forms in grasslands is lacking.
Purpose Of The Study
- To analyze plant uptake of 13 inorganic and organic N forms across temperate and alpine grasslands.
- To synthesize global data on N uptake for 148 plant species.
- To understand N form-specific uptake mechanisms and ecological consequences.
Main Methods
- In situ measurements of N uptake by dominant grassland species along a 3000 km transect.
- Synthesis of data from 60 published studies on plant N uptake.
- Analysis of factors modulating N uptake, including soil N availability and N form characteristics.
Main Results
- Alpine grasslands exhibited faster ammonium (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>) uptake than temperate grasslands.
- Plant N uptake preference: nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>) (65%) > ammonium (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>) (24%) > amino acids (11%).
- Uptake rates and preferences were modulated by soil N availability, climate, soil properties, and N form characteristics.
Conclusions
- Findings enhance understanding of N cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.
- Novel insights into plant N uptake mechanisms and chemical niche differentiation.
- Highlights ecological consequences of N form-specific uptake and competition reduction.
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