Abstract

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Leaf nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE) serves as a metric for delineating plant strategies that range from ‘slow-fast’ performance to conservative-acquisitive resource management. However, the relationships between the interspecific variations in NuRE and the economic traits of both leaves and roots remain unclear. In this study, we gathered both green and senesced leaves to explore mass-based nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, as well as leaf structural investment and root economic traits, across 10 tree and shrub species within mangrove ecosystems in Hainan, China. This study challenges the initial hypothesis by revealing that species with low leaf structural investment, indicated by low leaf mass per area and leaf dry matter content, exhibit high N and P resorption efficiency. These findings suggest that plants with less investment in the leaf structure are more efficient at resorbing nutrients. Contrary to expectations, root economic traits such as specific root length, root nitrogen content, root diameter, and root tissue density did not significantly influence NuRE. These findings indicate that above-ground nutrient conservation mechanisms may function independently of root foraging traits. This study highlights mangroves’ key role in nutrient recycling, enhancing our grasp of plant dynamics and their impact on global cycles, especially in coastal areas.