Multiple Nutrient Additions Homogenize Multidimensional Plant Stoichiometry in a Meadow Steppe

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Human activities are altering terrestrial ecosystem biogeochemistry globally.
• Nutrient enrichment can change plant nutrient concentrations (stoichiometry), affecting ecosystem processes like decomposition and productivity.
• Previous research has primarily focused on a few macronutrients, neglecting the impact of multiple elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of manipulating eight distinct nutrients on soil and plant tissue concentrations in the Inner Mongolia Steppe.
• To understand how multiple nutrient additions influence plant stoichiometry at species and community levels.
• To assess the impact of nutrient enrichment on grassland biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a comprehensive field experiment manipulating eight distinct nutrients.
• Analyzed soil available nutrient contents and plant tissue nutrient concentrations.
• Examined effects at both individual species and community levels.

Main Results:

• Most nutrient additions increased their corresponding available contents in the soil.
• Nutrient additions generally increased corresponding concentrations in plant tissues.
• Multiple nutrient additions had a greater impact on soil nutrients than plant nutrients.
• Concurrent addition of multiple nutrients significantly homogenized plant stoichiometry among species.

Conclusions:

• Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment simplifies plant nutrient profiles.
• Homogenization of plant stoichiometry may influence interspecific interactions and coexistence.
• Findings advance understanding of how nutrient enrichment impacts grassland biodiversity and ecosystem functionality.