NPK Fertilization of Serianthes Plants Influences Growth and Stoichiometry of Leaf Nutrients

Abstract

The genus Serianthes has not received adequate research attention, leaving large gaps in the knowledge required to inform conservation decisions. For example, nutrient management protocols are not understood due to lack of research. Serianthes grandiflora, Serianthes kanehirae, and Serianthes nelsonii plants were grown in container culture to determine the influence of increasing edaphic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or potassium (K) content on stem growth and leaf nutrient relations. Addition of N alone increased leaf N, stimulated stem height and diameter growth, increased leaf number, and reduced leaf tissue concentrations of most nutrients including P and K. Addition of K alone increased leaf K, did not influence stem growth, did not reduce N or P concentration, but caused substantial changes in leaf tissue stoichiometry. Addition of P alone increased leaf P, did not influence stem growth, did not reduce leaf N or K concentration, and exerted minimal influence on concentrations and stoichiometry of other nutrients. The results indicate that single element P fertilization may be used to mitigate P deficiencies of Serianthes saplings without the risk of causing substantial nutrient imbalances. This knowledge may be used to inform nutrient management decisions in Serianthes conservation projects.