[Effects of combined nitrogen and phosphorus addition on fine root traits of young Machilus pauhoi forest].

Abstract

Both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the main limiting elements for plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. Fine roots play a critical role in plant growth. To reveal the effects of combined N and P addition on fine root traits of Machilus pauhoi, we performed a field N and P addition experiment in the midmonth from April to September in 2016 and 2017 in a 3-year M. pauhoi forest (N and P supply ratios were 8:1, 10:1, 12:1, 15:1). Both fine root morphological traits (specific root length, specific root area, average diameter, root tissue density) and stoichiometric traits (total carbon content, total nitogen content and carbon-nitrogen ratio) were analyzed. The results showed that the effects of combined application of N and P on fine root raits varied with seasons. In June, fertilization significantly increased specific root area, total nitrogen content and specific root length of 0-1 mm fine root, but decreased root tissuse density, carbon-nitrogen ratio and average diameter of 0-1 mm root. The most obvious change of fine root traits in June was found under the treatment with a N and P supply ratio of 12:1. In December, combined N and P addition significantly increased root tissue density, total nitrogen content, carbon-nitrogen ratio as well as fine root biomass with the diameter of 0-1 mm. The results of principal component analysis showed that different N and P supply ratios exerted different effects on the relationships among fine root traits. Fine root traits were distributed at both ends of Axis 1 when treated with 12:1 N:P, while distributed at Axis 1 and Axis 2 under other treaments. There was a significant negative correlation between fine root average diameter variation and the relative plant growh rate. The relationship among fine root traits, and between fine root traits and the relative growth rate of plant biomass were optimally coordinated at the treament with a N:P ratio of 12:1.