University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Goransson, H; Welc, M; Bunemann, EK; Christl, I; Venterink, HO.
(2016):
Nitrogen and phosphorus availability at early stages of soil development in the Damma glacier forefield, Switzerland; implications for establishment of N-2-fixing plants
PLANT SOIL. 2016; 404(1-2): 251-261.
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- Abstract:
- Background and aims Di-nitrogen (N-2)-fixing plants are absent in the pioneer stages of glacial forefields in the European Alps despite low amounts of nitrogen (N) in the soil. We aimed to evaluate whether symbiotic N-2-fixation is needed to meet the N demand of plants during the early stages of soil formation, and how phosphorus (P) availability affects plant establishment. Methods We measured total and available N and P in soil and N and P in the vegetation along the 137 year chronosequence in front of the Damma glacier (Switzerland). Results Available N as determined by in situ resin N decreased from the pioneer stage (<16 years since deglaciation) to the intermediate (5780 years), likely resulting from increased plant N uptake and reduced funnelling of N by rocks. N concentrations in the vegetation were positively correlated to in situ resin N, and the N: P-ratio of the vegetation was negatively correlated with P concentrations in the vegetation. Conclusions The N requirement of plants in the pioneer stage of soil development in the forefield is fulfilled by atmospheric N deposition being funnelled between rocks. N-2-fixation is not needed as the vegetation is often limited by P, or co-limited by N and P.
- Authors BOKU Wien:
- Sanden Hans
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- Alpine vegetation
- Lotus alpinus
- N-2-fixation
- Nitrogen
- N deposition
- Phosphorus
- esin bags
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