Management practices regulate the response of Moso bamboo foliar stoichiometry to nitrogen deposition

Sci Rep. 2016 Apr 7:6:24107. doi: 10.1038/srep24107.

Abstract

Moso bamboo, well known for its high growth rate, is being subjected to increasing amounts of nitrogen deposition. However, how anthropogenic management practices regulate the effects of N deposition on Moso bamboo stoichiometry remains poorly understood. We observed the effects of two years of simulated N deposition (30, 60 and 90 kg N ha(-1)yr(-1)) on the foliar stoichiometry of Moso bamboo plantations under conventional management (CM) and intensive management (IM). Young bamboo had significantly greater foliar N and P concentrations and N:P ratios than mature plants (P < 0.05). IM significantly increased the foliar N concentrations of young bamboo and P concentrations of mature bamboo but decreased mature bamboo foliar N:P ratios (P < 0.05). Nitrogen increased foliar N and P concentrations in IM bamboo plantations, but the positive effects were diminished when the addition rate exceeded 60 kg N ha(-1)yr(-1). Nitrogen increased foliar N concentrations but aggravated P deficiency in CM bamboo plantations. The positive effects of N deposition on foliar stoichiometry were influenced by management practices and bamboo growth stage. The effects of N deposition on foliar stoichiometry combined with anthropogenic management practices can influence ecosystem production, decomposition, and subsequent N and P cycles in Moso bamboo plantations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Nitrogen / metabolism*
  • Phosphorus / metabolism
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism*
  • Poaceae / growth & development
  • Poaceae / metabolism*

Substances

  • Phosphorus
  • Nitrogen