Broadleaf trees switch from phosphorus to nitrogen limitation at lower latitudes than conifers

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are common limiting elements for terrestrial ecosystem productivity. Understanding N–P nutrient limitations patterns is crucial for comprehending variations in productivity within terrestrial ecosystems. However, the global nutrient limitation patterns of woody plants, that dominate forests, especially across different functional types, remain unclear. Here, we compiled a global dataset of leaf N and P concentrations and resorption efficiency (NRE and PRE) to explore latitudinal nutrient limitation patterns in natural woody plants and their environmental drivers. Based on published fertilization experiments, we compiled another global woody plant nutrient database to validate such identified patterns. The results showed that with increasing latitude, the relative P vs N resorption efficiency (PRE minus NRE) and the N and P ratio decreased in woody plant leaves, suggesting that the nutrient status of woody plants shifts from P to N limitation as latitude increases, with a switching point of N–P balance occurring at mid-latitudes (42.9°–43.6°). Different functional types exhibited similar trends, but with different switching latitudes of N vs P limitation. Due to the lower N uptake capacity of broadleaves than conifers, broadleaves reached N–P balance at lower latitudes (39.6°–43.3°) than conifers (57.1°–59.1°) in both hemispheres. Data from fertilization experiments successfully identified 81 % of the N limitation cases and 91 % of the P limitation cases identified using the first database. N and P limitation cases for conifers and broadleaves were also well identified separately. The latitudinal nutrient limitations in global woody plants are primarily shaped by climate and soil. Our study demonstrates the switching latitudes of N vs P limitation which varies between broadleaves and conifers. These findings enhance our understanding of plant nutrient dynamics in global climate change and aid in refining forest management.