Nitrogen retention by Sphagnum mosses: Responses to atmospheric nitrogen deposition and drought
Aldous, AR
| HERO ID | 1509111 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2002 |
| Title | Nitrogen retention by Sphagnum mosses: Responses to atmospheric nitrogen deposition and drought |
| Authors | Aldous, AR |
| Journal | Canadian Journal of Botany |
| Volume | 80 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Page Numbers | 721-731 |
| Abstract | Sphagnum mosses are assumed to be effective at acquiring low amounts of nitrogen (N) in precipitation to support annual growth. However, N concentrations in precipitation have increased from anthropogenic sources over the last 150 years. I hypothesized that N retention from wet atmospheric deposition decreases with increased N availability, by comparing Sphagnum mosses in a high N deposition region in the Adirondack Park, New York, to a low-deposition region in eastern Maine. A 15NH4 15NO3 tracer was applied to mosses in both regions, and retention after 24 h was estimated. Nitrogen retention ranged from 50 to 90% of N applied. Most 15N was recovered from the apical capitula and upper stems. Nitrogen retention was greater in the Maine sites in 1998. However, in 1999, a drought year, particularly in Maine, N retention was less in Maine than in New York. The drier climate appeared to lower N retention, possibly through its physiological effects on the mosses. Although atmospheric deposition might be the only exogenous source of N, it satisfied only a small fraction of N required for annual growth. These data suggest that internal cycling processes, such as mineralization, may be much more important N sources to support Sphagnum growth. |
| Doi | 10.1139/B02-054 |
| Wosid | WOS:000177145600002 |
| Url | http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/b02-054 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Comments | Source: Web of Science WOS:000177145600002 |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Keyword | Sphagnum mosses; atmospheric nitrogen deposition; nitrogen-use efficiency; nitrogen retention; peatlands; bogs; drought |