Biomass production of the last remaining fen with Saxifraga hirculus in Switzerland is controlled by nitrogen availability

Details

Ressource 1Download: BIB_75C14DAC407F.P001.pdf (98.20 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: author
Serval ID
serval:BIB_75C14DAC407F
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Biomass production of the last remaining fen with Saxifraga hirculus in Switzerland is controlled by nitrogen availability
Journal
Botanica Helvetica
Author(s)
Olde Venterink H., Vittoz P.
ISSN
0253-1453
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2008
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
118
Number
2
Pages
165-174
Language
english
Notes
Old year value: In press
Abstract
For conservation management of endangered plants it is important to know which nutrient(s) control growth of the vegetation, because maintenance of low nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) availability requires different management measures. The aim of this study was to determine the type of nutrient limitation for the vegetation in the last remaining site with Saxifraga hirculus in Switzerland, using nutrient ratios in the aboveground vegetation as an indicator. We made vegetation relevees, collected biomass of the vascular plants, and took soil samples in three plots at this site. The biomass was very low (152-231 g m-2), and all three plots were clearly N-limited with N:P ratios of 7-8. Soil extractable N concentrations were generally low, and P and K concentrations were moderate to high, which was consistent with the indicated N limitation. Hence conservation management first of all needs to prevent N-enrichment, and needs to avoid increased mineralization rates through drainage, or the accumulation of N in the system from atmospheric deposition. Therefore N output seems required through for instance grazing or mowing. The current grazing management seems to function well, since total aboveground biomass is very low and S. hirculus has a high abundance in this last remnant.
Keywords
Endangered plant, fen, nutrient limitation, N:P stoichiometry, red list species, wetland
Web of science
Create date
29/10/2008 8:46
Last modification date
20/08/2019 14:33
Usage data