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Variations in C, N and P stoichiometry of leaf-litter-soil associated with Mongolian pine by stand origin, Northern China
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  • Guanglei Gao,
  • Guodong Ding,
  • Ying Zhang,
  • Peishan Zhao,
  • Yue Ren
Guanglei Gao
Beijing Forestry University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Guodong Ding
Beijing Forestry University
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Ying Zhang
Beijing Forestry University
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Peishan Zhao
Beijing Forestry University
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Yue Ren
Beijing Forestry University
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Abstract

Ecological stoichiometry is an important approach to understand the nutrient cycling and balance through the leaf-litter-soil system of Mongolian pine among different stand origins in desert regions. To reveal the variations in Mongolian pine carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry and stoichiometric homeostasis among different stand origins, we measured C, N, and P concentrations of leaves, litter, and soil, and analyzed the nutrient resorption efficiencies of leaves in differently aged plantations and natural forests from semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions. The results showed that (a) the stand origin had a significant effect on the C-N-P stoichiometry, and also significantly affected leaf N and P reabsorption efficiencies. Leaf N/P ratios indicated that Mongolian pine was co-limited by N and P in the NF, HB and HQ, and was mainly limited by P in MU. (2) With increasing stand age, C concentrations in the leaf-litter-soil system initially increased and then decreased, the N and P concentrations and reabsorption efficiencies in the leaf-litter-soil system were gradually increased. Overall, stand age had a significant effect on N concentrations, C/N and C/P ratios in the leaf-litter-soil system. (3) The C and N elements between the leaf-litter-soil system had a strong coupling relationship, and the P element between litter-soil had a strong coupling relationship. In addition, plantations exhibited greater N/P homeostasis than natural forests, and N/P exhibited greater homeostasis than N and P alone, which may be a nutrient utilization strategy for forests to alleviate N or P limitation. (4) Environmental factors have a significant influence on C-N-P stoichiometry in the leaf-litter-soil system, the most important soil properties and meteorological factors being soil water content and precipitation, respectively. These results will be essential to provide guidance for plantation restoration and management in desert regions.
03 Jul 2023Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
10 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
10 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
17 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
25 Jan 20241st Revision Received
30 Jan 2024Submission Checks Completed
30 Jan 2024Assigned to Editor
30 Jan 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Jan 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
22 Feb 20242nd Revision Received
23 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending