温度对紫色不结球白菜外观和营养品质的影响

以紫色不结球白菜品种‘紫衣’为试验材料,利用人工气候箱,采用盆栽法,研究3个不同温度(5℃、25℃和35℃)条件对紫色不结球白菜叶片颜色和营养品质等指标的影响,为优质紫色不结球白菜设施栽培温度的选择提供依据。结果显示:(1)紫色不结球白菜在受到5℃低温处理时,叶片紫色会随着处理时间的延长而加深,最终呈深紫色;反之,当受到35℃高温时,叶片颜色逐渐变浅,直至叶片呈绿色,该现象与叶片中花青素含量的变化规律一致。(2)与正常25℃相比,紫色不结球白菜叶片中的还原糖、可溶性糖和总糖含量在受到高温胁迫(35℃)后逐渐降低,而在低温(5℃)处理下,先增后减,且高温降低幅度大于低温;可溶性蛋白、还原性抗坏血酸和氨基酸含量也随着高温胁迫的延长而降低,但低温处理下则逐渐增加;抗坏血酸-过氧化物酶活性(APX)、纤维素和硝酸盐含量在高温胁迫下逐渐增加,低温条件下则显著降低。研究发现,不同温度明显影响着紫色不结球白菜叶片紫色深浅,低温促进花青素积累,高温抑制或是加速花青素的降解;低温能促进叶片可溶性蛋白、抗坏血酸和氨基酸等品质指标的积累,同时降低纤维素含量,从而提高紫色不结球白菜的外观和营养品质,高温胁迫则降低以上品质指标。     

壳聚糖对不结球白菜营养品质和某些农艺性状的影响

0.4～0.6mg·g~(-1)(种子)和20～40μg·mL~(-1)浓度范围内壳聚糖拌种及喷叶处理都能提高不结球白菜叶片中可溶性蛋白、总氨基酸、可溶性总糖、维生素C以及总叶绿素含量,降低粗纤维含量,从而改善不结球白菜的营养品质,同时不结球白菜的单株总鲜重、株高、最大叶面积、根鲜重以及根长也有增加。     

不同配比红蓝LED光对黄瓜果实产量和品质的影响

以荧光灯为对照,研究不同配比红蓝LED光处理﹝包括100%红光、75%红光-25%蓝光( R31)、50%红光-50%蓝光(R11)、25%红光-75%蓝光(R13)和100%蓝光﹞对黄瓜(Cucumis sativus Linn.)果实性状、产量及营养品质的影响。结果表明：100%红光处理组黄瓜植株生长缓慢,果实发育异常,果实单株产量及VC、可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白质的含量均低于其他处理组。100%蓝光处理组的果实发育正常,果实单株产量显著低于红蓝LED光组合处理组,而果实中可溶性糖、蔗糖、游离氨基酸和可溶性固形物的含量总体上显著高于其他处理组,可溶性蛋白质含量也较高。 R31处理组黄瓜果实的单果鲜质量显著高于其他处理组;R31和R11处理组的果实单株产量显著高于其他处理组,R11处理组的黄瓜果实中VC和可溶性蛋白质含量明显高于其他处理组。上述研究结果显示：黄瓜果实的单株产量和营养品质受红蓝光协同作用的影响,设施栽培黄瓜生产的较适宜光照比例为50%红光-50%蓝光。     

淹水胁迫对不结球白菜渗透调节物质含量的影响

以不结球白菜‘新矮青’品种为材料,研究了不同时间(1、3、5、7d)和不同程度(根淹、半淹、全淹)淹水处理及解除淹水恢复生长后叶片内渗透调节物质含量的变化规律。结果表明:(1)在根淹和半淹胁迫处理下,不结球白菜叶片中可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白和游离脯氨酸含量随处理时间的延长呈先上升后下降的趋势;全淹胁迫下,这3种渗透调节物质的含量随处理时间的延长出现不同程度的下降。(2)解除淹水恢复生长7d后,各处理组的不结球白菜叶片中渗透调节物质的含量在短期(1d)淹水下基本恢复正常,在长期淹水条件下未完全恢复;全淹处理组恢复能力较弱,而根淹处理组恢复能力相对较强;可溶性糖的恢复幅度高于可溶性蛋白和游离脯氨酸。     

不同栽培措施对凤丹容器苗生长及生理的影响

分别采用不同基质配比(即泥炭和珍珠岩体积比分别为1：0、2：1和3：1)、不同促侧根措施(包括主根截短和200 mg·L-1 IBA溶液灌根单一措施以及上述2种单一措施的复合措施)和不同栽培容器(包括穴盘、营养钵和无纺布育苗袋)对凤丹( Paeonia ostii T. Hong et J. X. Zhang)容器苗进行培育,分析了容器苗的形态指标、单株质量、根冠比及部分生理指标的差异,并在此基础上筛选出适宜凤丹容器苗培育的栽培措施。分析结果表明：在泥炭-珍珠岩(体积比3：1)混合基质中,凤丹容器苗的单株侧根数、单株地下部鲜质量和干质量、根冠比以及叶片的总叶绿素含量、可溶性糖含量和含水量均显著高于其他基质。采取主根截短单一措施或复合措施后,容器苗的单株叶面积、单株侧根数、单株地下部鲜质量和干质量、根冠比及叶片含水量均显著高于对照(不做任何处理)和采取200 mg·L-1 IBA溶液灌根单一措施的容器苗,其中,采取复合措施的容器苗大部分指标最高。在无纺布育苗袋和营养钵中栽培的容器苗的株高、根颈直径、单株侧根数以及叶片的总叶绿素含量、可溶性糖含量和含水量显著高于在穴盘中栽培的容器苗;其中,在无纺布育苗袋中栽培的容器苗的单株侧根数以及叶片的总叶绿素含量和含水量均最高,且这3个指标显著高于在营养钵中栽培的容器苗。研究结果显示：不同栽培措施对凤丹容器苗的生长及生理均有一定影响,总体上看,对根系的单株侧根数、主根长、地下部质量和根冠比以及叶片的叶面积、总叶绿素含量、可溶性糖含量和含水量的影响均较大。根据实验结果,初步筛选出适宜凤丹容器苗培育的栽培措施,即用无纺布育苗袋,以泥炭-珍珠岩(体积比3：1)混合基质为栽培基质,实施主根截短和200 mg·L-1 IBA溶液灌根复合措施。     

低温胁迫对不同倍性不结球白菜生长及生理生化特征的影响

在田间自然低温条件下对二、四倍体不结球白菜的生长特性进行了比较研究,并在光照培养箱中于-5~5℃条件下,分析低温胁迫对它们生理生化特征的影响。结果表明:(1)四倍体不结球白菜的10叶厚、叶柄宽和厚、单株重、单株叶重、叶重/叶柄重及小区产量等农艺性状均显著高于其同源二倍体;(2)随温度的降低,二、四倍体不结球白菜的叶片可溶性蛋白质、可溶性糖及游离脯氨酸等渗透调节物质含量明显上升,电解质外渗率增大,丙二醛(MDA)含量升高,保护酶SOD、POD和CAT活性则先升高后降,而且四倍体材料的渗透调节物质含量和保护酶活性在低温胁迫过程中始终明显高于二倍体,但电解质外渗率和丙二醛含量低于二倍体。研究发现,低温胁迫下渗透调节物质含量升高和保持较高的保护酶活性是四倍体不结球白菜抗寒性强的主要原因。     

海南地区种植不同菊芋品种的生长指标和糖分组成分析及适宜品种筛选

对种植于海南地区的不同菊芋(Helianthus tuberosus Linn.)品种的生长指标和糖分组成进行比较和分析,并筛选出适宜海南地区种植的菊芋品种。结果表明:随着时间的推移,6个菊芋品种的株高、茎粗、单株地上部干质量、单株根干质量及单株总干质量总体上呈逐渐升高的趋势,而根长的变化趋势各异。10月26日(成熟期),‘泰芋1号’(‘Taiyu No.1’)的株高和茎粗最高,‘南芋9号’(‘Nanyu No.9’)的根长以及块茎和茎干的产量、单株鲜质量和含水率最高,‘南芋1号’(‘Nanyu No.1’)的单株地上部干质量、单株块茎干质量及单株总干质量最高,‘青芋2号’(‘Qingyu No.2’)的单株根干质量最高。随着时间的推移,6个菊芋品种叶片中可溶性糖含量的变幅相对较小,而茎干中可溶性糖含量则总体上呈逐渐降低的趋势;6个菊芋品种叶片和茎干中还原糖含量的变化趋势各异。10月26日,‘南芋9号’叶片中可溶性糖含量最高,6个菊芋品种间叶片中还原糖含量差异不显著,‘泰芋1号’茎干中可溶性糖和还原糖含量最高;‘南芋1号’、‘南芋9号’、‘泰芋1号’和‘泰芋2号’(‘Taiyu No.2’)块茎中可溶性糖含量较高,‘青芋2号’、‘泰芋2号’和‘泰芋3号’(‘Taiyu No.3’)块茎中还原糖含量较高。随着时间的推移,‘南芋1号’、‘南芋9号’和‘青芋2号’叶片和茎干中果糖含量总体上呈逐渐升高的趋势,‘泰芋1号’、‘泰芋2号’和‘泰芋3号’叶片和茎干中果糖含量均呈先降低后升高的趋势;6个菊芋品种叶片中葡萄糖含量总体上呈逐渐升高的趋势,而茎干中葡萄糖含量总体上呈先降低后升高的趋势;6个菊芋品种叶片和茎干中蔗糖含量的变化趋势各异。总体上看,同一时期6个菊芋品种间叶片和茎干中蔗果三糖、蔗果四糖和蔗果五塘含量的差异均不显著。综合研究结果显示:适宜在海南地区种植的菊芋品种为‘南芋1号’和‘南芋9号’。     

脯氨酸对不结球白菜（Brassica chinensis）镉积累的影响

采用溶液培养的方法,研究了过量Cd对不结球白菜（Brassica chinensis）幼苗内源脯氨酸含量的影响及外源脯氨酸在不结球白菜Cd积累中的作用。100μmol？L-1 Cd处理明显增加不结球白菜叶片脯氨酸（Pro）的含量,并且随着Cd胁迫时间的延长,其含量也显著上升。100μmol？L-1 Cd处理明显降低脯氨酸脱氢酶（PDH）活性,而增加δ1-吡咯啉-5-羧酸合成酶（P5CS）的活性。1~5 mmol？L-1外源Pro处理显著降低不结球白菜幼苗地上部Cd含量,对根系Cd含量无显著影响,但外源Pro处理并不能缓解过量Cd对不结球白菜幼苗生物量的抑制作用。外源Pro处理下,不结球白菜叶片中Pro含量与其地上部干重呈显著的负相关关系。     

爱知结球白菜组培再生株与实生株的性状比较

对日本引进的爱知结球白菜[Brassica campestris ssp.pekinensis‘Aichi Hakusai']的组培再生株从染色体数目、形态特征及生化特性方面与实生株进行了比较.结果表明,再生株染色体数目与实生株相同,均为2n=20;再生株在移栽初期长势不齐,1个月后,生长趋于一致,形态指标均显著高于相同条件下栽培的实生株;两者叶片可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白质含量的变化趋势相似;可溶性蛋白质含量在移栽初期高,碳氮比(C/N)小,代谢类型主要是氮素代谢;随着生长发育的进行,叶面积增加,碳水化合物代谢加强,其可溶性糖含量增加,C/N比逐渐上升.说明爱知结球白菜的组培再生株在所测定的性状上保持了实生株的遗传稳定性.     

不同老化程度的不结球白菜种子活力指标变化及其相关分析

以不结球白菜品种‘高梗白’种子为材料,采用高温(42℃)高湿(相对湿度100%)人工加速老化处理,研究不同老化程度下种子活力指标的变化及其相关性。结果显示:(1)发芽指标(除不正常苗率)和出苗指标均随种子老化程度的加深而显著下降,不正常苗率显著上升。(2)随老化程度的加深,种子中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著下降;种子的超氧阴离子(O2.-)产生速率先增高后降低,过氧化氢(H2O2)含量逐渐增加,丙二醛(MDA)含量下降,种子浸出液相对电导率升高;种子的可溶性糖含量、可溶性蛋白含量和脱氢酶活性下降,α-淀粉酶活性先升高后降低。(3)老化种子的发芽势、发芽率、SOD活性、H2O2含量、相对电导率和可溶性糖含量与出苗指标间均存在极显著相关性。研究表明,不结球白菜种子的发芽势、发芽率、SOD活性、H2O2含量和可溶性糖含量随老化程度加深的变化规律一致,且指标间以及与出苗指标均有极显著相关性,可以作为检验不结球白菜种子活力的候选指标。     

Variation in cadmium accumulation potential and tissue distribution of cadmium in tobacco

Variation in Cd accumulation between Nicotiana species but not varieties has been observed in seedlings grown in solution culture with moderate-to-low levels of Cd. Nicotiana tabacum has been characterized as a leaf and root accumulator while Nicotiana rustica is shown to be primarily a root accumulator, having about half the leaf Cd per gram dry weight of N. tabacum. This phenotype is retained in the mature N. rustica plant. To characterize these two species which differ in their modes of Cd accumulation, tissue Cd distribution, partitioning of metal in soluble and insoluble fractions and the contribution of soluble Cd-binding proteins (peptides) to total plant Cd was assessed using mature solution cultured plants. Metal accumulation was highest in the most mature leaves and in young roots. The preponderance of young roots in N. rustica may, in part, account for low leaf/high root Cd accumulation in this species. While Cd-binding peptides appear to be a principal form of Cd in leaves and roots of seedlings and these also occur in mature leaves, Cd is equally distributed between soluble (about 80% as Cd-binding peptide) and uncharacterized insoluble forms in mature plant roots.     

Effect of a phosphate solubilizing bacteria on maize growth and root exudation over four levels of labile phosphorus

The influence of inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Enterobacter agglomerans) on maize growth, P uptake and root exudation was studied. Plants were grown in an axenic culture device where P was supplied as soluble phosphate at different contents (0, 5, 15 or 25 ppm) in the nutrient solution and as insoluble rock phosphate added to the culture sand. Experimental device was successfully used to obtain axenic root systems or good establishment of the inoculated strain in the rhizosphere of maize (10⁹ bact. g⁻¹ dry rhizospheric material). Plant growth was promoted by inoculation only for 5 or 15 ppm of soluble P in the nutrient medium without any significant effect on P uptake by the plant, suggesting that the quantities of P released by bacterial rhizospheric activity were very small. Amounts of organic compounds (total C and water-soluble C) exuded were relatively low (3.0 to 6.4% of the total plant biomass) and were reduced by bacterial inoculation when plant growth was largely promoted. Carbon balance modification and plant growth hormone production by the inoculated strain were suspected and discussed.     

叶绿酸铁对亚适温条件下黄瓜幼苗渗透调节物质及抗氧化酶活性的影响

以黄瓜品种“津研四号”为试材,利用光照培养箱进行亚适温处理(昼/夜18/12 ℃),研究亚适温条件下喷施5 mg·L^-1叶绿酸铁溶液对黄瓜幼苗生长、脯氨酸、可溶性糖、丙二醛含量及抗氧化酶活性的影响.结果表明: 亚适温条件下叶面喷施叶绿酸铁可以缓解亚适温对黄瓜生长的抑制,增加叶片中脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量,减少丙二醛含量,提高超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶及抗坏血酸过氧化物酶活性.喷施叶绿酸铁在一定程度上可通过促进渗透调节物质的积累和提高抗氧化酶活性,来降低膜脂质过氧化水平,从而增强黄瓜幼苗对亚适温的适应性.     

Re-sorption of organic compounds by roots of Zea mays L. and its consequences in the rhizosphere

The exudation of soluble carbon compounds from Zea mays roots was investigated over a 10 day growth period under sterile and non-sterile solution culture conditions. The results showed that plants grown in sterile static solution culture, where C was allowed to accumulate, released 8 times less C than plants grown under culture conditions in which the solutions were replaced daily. The increased C loss from plant cultures in which exudates were removed daily was attributable to, (a) the reduced potential for root re-sorption of previously lost C, and (b), increasing diffusion gradients between the root and the surrounding bathing solution increasing passive leakage of exudates from the roots. In treatments where C was removed daily from the root-bathing solution, 86% of the total C lost was of a soluble low molecular weight nature, whereas, in sterile and non-sterile static cultures, allowing the accumulation of C over 10 days, this was reduced to 67.5 and 48% respectively. The main C fluxes operating in a solution culture system (efflux and influx of C by both roots and microorganisms) were examined using a computer simulation model to describe movement of soluble sugar-C in both sterile and non-sterile conditions. In sterile static cultures where C was allowed to accumulate in solution over a 10 day growth period, 98% of the C exuded was re-absorbed by the plant. Where C was removed daily from the root-bathing solution this was reduced to 86%. The predicted patterns of C accumulation were similar to those found in the experiments. Simulations showed that the pattern of accumulation and final equilibrium concentrations were dependent on the rate of exudation, the spatial characteristics of exudation, solution volume, root growth rate and the presence of a microbial population. Simulations under non-sterile conditions showed that roots can compete with microorganisms for exudates in solution indicating the possible importance of re-sorption in a soil environment. The results clearly indicate that roots are capable of regulating the net amount of C released into a solution culture with the amount of C collected being highly dependent on the experimental conditions employed. The possible implications of soluble C influx on processes operating within the rhizosphere and in experimental systems is discussed.     

Time and substrate dependent exudation of carboxylates by Lupinus albus L. and Brassica napus L.

Root exudates influence significantly physical, chemical and biological characteristics of rhizosphere soil. Their qualitative and quantitative composition is affected by environmental factors such as pH, soil type, oxygen status, light intensity, soil temperature, plant growth, nutrient availability and microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of growth substrate and plant age on the release of carboxylates from Lupinus albus L. and Brassica napus L.Both plant species were studied in continuously percolated microcosms filled with either sand, soil or sand + soil (1:1) mixture. Soil solution was collected every week at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after planting (DAP). Carboxylate concentrations were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization - time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-TOFMS).Oxalate, citrate, succinate, malate and maleate were detected in soil solutions of both plant species. Their concentrations were correlated with the physiological status of the plant and the growth substrate. Oxalate was the predominant carboxylate detected within the soil solution of B. napus plants while oxalate and citrate were the predominant ones found in the soil solutions of L. albus plants.The sampling determination of carboxylates released by plant roots with continuous percolation systems seems to be promising as it is a non-destructive method and allows sampling and determination of soluble low molecular weight organic compounds derived from root exudation as well as the concentration of soluble nutrients, which both might reflect the nutritional status of plants.     

五唇兰对PEG模拟的干旱胁迫响应研究

为了解干旱对五唇兰(Phalaenopsis pulcherrima)生长的影响,以聚乙二醇(PEG)溶液模拟干旱胁迫,对其叶片的光合色素、渗透调节物质和非结构碳水化合物(NSC)含量变化进行研究。结果表明,随着PEG浓度增加,五唇兰植株含水量和鲜质量逐渐下降,以PEG为13.75%～14.84%时最显著。PEG处理显著降低叶片的叶绿素a和b含量。随着植株含水量的降低,叶片可溶性蛋白、淀粉(St)含量均呈下降趋势,可溶性糖(SS)含量、NSC和SS/St均呈先升后降的趋势。因此,干旱胁迫会影响五唇兰植株的含水量和光合产物的积累;在较低程度干旱胁迫下,可溶性糖在抗旱响应中发挥主要作用;随着干旱胁迫程度加深,五唇兰的生理代谢受到严重影响。     

镉在东南景天中的亚细胞分配

采用差速离心技术,比较研究了Cd在矿山生态型东南景天(Sedum alfredii Hance)根、茎、叶中的亚细胞分布.结果表明:矿山生态型东南景天对Cd具有很好的忍受耐和累积能力,非矿山生态型东南景天则不具有这种能力.Cd在矿山生态型东南景天根、茎、叶各部分的亚细胞分配满足F1(细胞壁部分)>F3(可溶部分)>F2(细胞器及膜)规律,且Cd在细胞壁部分的分配占绝对优势;同时矿山生态型东南景天地上部有很好的Cd累积能力.与众多超累积植物相似的Cd亚细胞分配规律和地上部的良好的Cd累积能力.对此植物的Cd亚细胞分布完全不同于非矿山生态型东南景天的情况作了比较分析,结果显示矿山生态型东南景天很可能是一种新的镉超累积种质资源.     

Improvement by soil yeasts of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis of soybean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis>) colonized by<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Glomus mosseae</Emphasis>

The effects of the soil yeasts Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Cryptococcus laurentii and Saccharomyces kunashirensis on the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus mosseae (BEG 12) was studied in vitro and in greenhouse trials. The presence of yeasts or their soluble and volatile exudates stimulated the percentage spore germination and hyphal growth of G. mosseae. Percentage root length colonized by G. mosseae and plant dry matter of soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) were increased only when the soil yeasts were inoculated prior to the AM fungus. Higher beneficial effects on AM colonization and plant dry matter were found when the soil yeasts were inoculated as an aqueous solution rather than as a thin agar slice. Although soluble and volatile exudates of yeasts benefited the AM symbiosis, their modes of action were different.This revised version was published online in May 2004 with corrections to the section of the article.     

不同甘氨酸浓度对无菌水培番茄幼苗生长和氮代谢的影响

植物不但能吸收矿质氮(NH+4-N、NO-3-N),而且也能直接吸收有机态氮,如氨基酸、小分子蛋白质等.为探讨有机态氮浓度对番茄幼苗生长和氮代谢的影响,无菌水培条件下采用2个番茄品种(申粉918、沪樱932)设置4种不同浓度(0、1.5、3.0、6 0mmol·L-1)的甘氨酸态氮(Gly-N),研究了番茄幼苗干物质重、吸氮量、氮代谢相关产物和氮代谢关键酶活性.结果表明,无菌水培条件下,随营养液中Gly浓度的增加,番茄植株干物质重、总氮量、地上部和根系游离氨基酸、可溶性蛋白、地上部可溶性糖含量增加.与无氮对照相比,各处理均显著降低了番茄地上部淀粉含量(P<0.05),而Gly浓度对根系淀粉含量无显著影响.随营养液中Gly浓度的增加,番茄地上部和根系的硝酸还原酶(NR)、谷氨酸脱氢酶(NADH-GDH)、丙转氨酶(GPT)和谷草转氨酶(GOT)活性均提高.无氮对照的NR活性与1.5 mmol·L-1 Gly处理之间差异不显著,而与3.0 mmol·L-1和6.0 mmol·L-1 Gly两处理之间差异显著(P<0.05);1.5 mmol·L-1 Gly和3.0 mmol·L-1 Gly两个处理之间的地上部NADH-GDH、GPT和GOT活性差异不显著.Gly浓度与番茄植株干物质重、总氮量呈显著正相关(R2>0.905* *),这表明两个番茄品种均能直接吸收利用甘氨酸.沪樱932吸收Gly的能力显著大于申粉918(P<0.05).因此,Gly-N可以成为番茄生长的良好氮源,其生理效应受Gly浓度的影响;不同品种番茄对Gly的吸收利用能力不同.     

What causes changes in plant litter quality and quantity as consequence of grazing in the Patagonian Monte: Plant cover reduction or changes in species composition?

In Patagonian Monte, as in other arid ecosystems, grazing has triggered changes in vegetation and soil such as plant cover reduction, changes in species composition and soil nutrient losses. Several mechanisms were proposed interconnecting these changes, but evidence supporting them is very scarce. On the basis of published data concerning plant cover by species along grazing gradients and leaf litter production of dominant species, we estimated the effects of grazing on a – quality (N, soluble phenolics and lignin concentrations) and b – quantity (leaf litterfall (LLF) and inputs of nitrogen, soluble phenolics and lignin to the soil) of leaf litter in the Patagonian Monte, discriminating the effect of plant cover reduction from that of species composition. We also evaluated the relationship between senesced leaves traits and the response of species to grazing (i.e. their relative change in plant cover). Grazing causes a reduction in LLF and in the inputs of nitrogen, soluble phenolics and lignin to the soil. In the case of LLF, this reduction was not only a result of the decrease in plant cover but also due to changes in species composition. In contrast, our results showed that the reduction in nitrogen, soluble phenolics and lignin inputs to the soil by LLF is only a consequence of plant cover reduction. Additionally, litter quality was affected through increasing concentration of N and secondary compounds (soluble phenolics and lignin). N and soluble phenolics concentration on senesced leaves were positively related to the response of species to grazing, suggesting that other factors instead of N are relevant to sheep foraging decisions.