The effect of nitrogen and phosphorus addition on the growth, reproduction, and nutrient dynamics of two ericaceous shrubs

Abstract

Aboveground growth, reproduction, and foliar nitrogen and phosphorus contents of two ericaceous shrub species were compared over two seasons in (a) an undisturbed shrub bog (pocosin), and (b) a factorial fertilization design in which three levels each of nitrogen and phosphorus were added in all possible combinations. One species, Zenobia pulverulenta, is deciduous whereas the other species, Lyonia lucida, is evergreen. In the nutrient-poor undisturbed pocosin the two species exhibited similar foliar nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and aboveground growth rates. Neither species flowered. In response to nutrient-addition Zenobia increased growth rates more than Lyonia. Foliar phosphorus concentrations of both species increased in response to enhanced phosphorus availability. in the first season neither species flowered in any treatment. In the second season Zenobia flowered only in the fertilized plots, with the most flowering in the high phosphorus treatments. I conclude that, by virtue of high growth rates and efficient use of nutrients and despite differences in leaf phenology and morphology, both Lyonia and Zenobia are successful in a competitive community under conditions of extremely low phosphorus availability. However, unlike Lyonia, Zenobia can take advantage of temporarily increased nutrient availability, which occurs following fire in the pocosin, to increase growth and reproduction.