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N₂-Fixing Red Alder Indirectly Accelerates Ecosystem Nitrogen Cycling

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/articles/th83m3676

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  • Symbiotic N₂-fixing tree species can accelerate ecosystem N dynamics through decomposition feedbacks via both direct and indirect pathways. Direct pathways include the production of readily decomposed leaf litter and increased N supply to decomposers, whereas indirect pathways include increased tissue N and altered detrital dynamics of non-fixing vegetation. To evaluate the relative importance of direct and indirect pathways, we compared 3-year decomposition and N dynamics of N₂-fixing red alder leaf litter (2.34% N) to both low-N (0.68% N) and high-N (1.21% N) litter of non-fixing Douglas-fir, and decomposed each litter source in four forests dominated by either red alder or Douglas-fir. We also used experimental N fertilization of decomposition plots to assess elevated N availability as a potential mechanism of N₂-fixer effects on litter mass loss and N dynamics. Direct effects of N₂-fixing red alder on decomposition occurred primarily as faster N release from red alder than Douglas-fir litter. Direct increases in N supply to decomposers via experimental N fertilization did not stimulate decomposition of either species litter. Fixed N indirectly influenced detrital dynamics by increasing Douglas-fir tissue and litter N concentrations, which accelerated litter N release without accelerating mass loss. By increasing soil N, tissue N, and the rate of N release from litter of non-fixers, we conclude that N₂-fixing vegetation can indirectly foster plant–soil feedbacks that contribute to the persistence of elevated N availability in terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Keywords: N fertilization, decomposition, Pseudotsuga menziesii, nitrogen fixation, feedback, Alnus rubra
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  • Steven S Perakis, Joselin J Matkins, & David E Hibbs. (2012). N2-fixing red alder indirectly accelerates ecosystem nitrogen cycling. Ecosystems, 15(7), 1182. doi: 10.1007/s10021-012-9579-2
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  • 15
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  • 7
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  • This research was supported by the Oregon State University Forest Research Laboratory and NSF-DEB 0346837.
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