Simulated nitrogen deposition affects stoichiometry of multiple elements in resource-acquiring plant organs in a seasonally dry subtropical forest

Abstract

Increase of anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition markedly influences biogeochemical cycles of elements in a wide range of ecosystems. However, our knowledge of how N deposition affects stoichiometry of plants in forests experiencing regular seasonal droughts remains limited. Using a 3-year (2013–2015) N-manipulative experiment, we examined the stoichiometric responses of ten mineral elements, including the most limiting elements (N and P) to plant growth, base cations (K, Ca, and Mg), and trace metal cations (Mn, Zn, Cu, Al, and Fe) in resource-acquiring organs (foliage vs. absorptive roots) of Pinus elliottii to N additions in both wet and dry seasons in a seasonally dry subtropical forest. Stoichiometric responses of both organs depended on rate of N addition (generally stronger under high rate) and season. N additions increased foliar [N] and decreased foliar [P] only in dry season and the relative changes in foliar N:P ratio were twice higher in dry than wet seasons, suggesting an aggravated P limitation in dry season. The stoichiometry of absorptive roots was more responsive to N additions than that of foliage, especially for the base cations. N additions increased [Mn] and decreased Fe:Mn ratio in both organs, indicating increased risk of Mn2+ toxicity to this tree species. Our results have implications for understanding the N-induced changes in nutrient limitation of forests influenced by seasonal drought, and highlight the contrasting stoichiometric responses of above- and below-ground resource-acquiring plant organs to N loading.