Abstract
Quantification of multivariate trait spectra (or axes of specialization) make the definition of plant strategies more operational, which promotes trait-based theory of community assembly and the understanding of dynamics and functioning of ecosystems. We used field-quantified soil data to explore trait-environment relationships across palm communities in western Amazonia. We collected data from 116 palm species in 458 transects across four distinct forest types. We combined these data with trait records to relate local plant community trait composition to broad gradients in soil variables and forest types. There were significant trait-environment relationships across western Amazonia. Palms with large leaves and fruits, and palms with both growth forms (acaulescent/erect) were associated with fertile soils, while palms with unarmed leaves and stems were associated with non-inundated environments. These results suggest that the functional traits of palms vary consistently along soil gradients on a regional scale. This variation could be explained by the soil fertility and acidity + aluminum gradients, suggesting environmental filters related to resource availability and stressful environments, such as acid soils and soils with high aluminum content.
Highlights
The most functional plant traits reflect adaptations to environmental conditions found in their immediate proximity (Díaz et al, 2016)
Most individuals (43%) were solitary and the cespitose life form were represented by 38% of the individuals; solitary palms were more abundant in premontane hills (PrH), and the cespitose palms were evenly distributed between forests that were inundated (Inun), Ninu, on pre-montane hills (PrH), and growing on white sands (WhS)
These results suggest that the functional traits of palms vary consistently along with the soil gradients on a regional scale and that this variation could be explained by the soil fertility and acidity plus Al3+gradients, suggesting an environmental filter related to resource availability and stressful environments such as acid and high aluminum content soils
Summary
The most functional plant traits reflect adaptations to environmental conditions found in their immediate proximity (Díaz et al, 2016). Life-history evolution has produced distinct plant strategies that are positioned along the fast–slow trait spectrum and leaf-height-seed strategy (Westoby, 1998). Given the important roles of soil microbes in both nutrient acquisition and plant disease, we should expect relationships between plant-soil feedbacks and the plant strategies traditionally linked with functional traits (Xi et al, 2021). Plant–soil feedbacks express how plants interact with soil microbes and soil biogeochemical and physical properties (Van der Putten et al, 2013). Plants can invest in traits that promote rapid growth (via nutrient acquisition) or in traits that provide defense against antagonists (Díaz et al, 2016). Plant height may indicate plant life span and competitive ability for light (Moles et al, 2009)
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