ISSN:
1432-1939
Keywords:
Climax tree species
;
Phosphorus Photosynthesis
;
Pioneer tree species
;
Tropical rainforest
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract In Guyana dense rainforest occurs on intensely weathered acid soils, low in soil phosphorus. To investigate whether low P availability limits photosynthesis of trees growing on these soils more than N does, leaf P and N content, and their relationship with the photosynthetic capacity (A sat, μmol CO2 m-2 s-1) were studied for nine pioneer and climax tree species in a range of light climates. Light environment was described using hemispherical photographs. For both pioneer and climax species, leaf P content (r 2=0.71 and 0.23, respectively) is a more important determinant of A sat than leaf N content (r 2=0.54 and 0.12, respectively). Pioneer species have a higher leaf P and N content than climax species. At similar P or N content, pioneers have a higher A sat than climax species. The saplings studied had a relatively high A sat, considering their low P concentration (15–30 μmol P g-1). All species studied had a constant leaf P and N concentration and photosynthetic capacity across light climates, because specific leaf mass (g m-2) increased similarly with light availability. This acclimation to a change in light environment makes a possible limitation of A sat by P or N independent of light environment.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00333319
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