Factors affecting tissue nutrient concentrations in aCarex meadow

Summary The influence of community and edaphic variables on tissue nutrient concentration was assessed for seven species on aCarex wetland in southern Quebec, Canada.Potassium and sodium tissue levels were considerably higher and Ca and Mg 35% lower than in a deciduous forest. Macronutrient concentrations decreased in the order K>N>Ca>Mg>Na>P. Micronutrient concentrations (Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu) ranged from 0.038–0.005 mg/g. This was 2–3 times less abundant than in an adjacentScirpus wetland. Inter-species coefficient of variation in N, P and K was low (14%) compared to variation in Ca, Mg, and the micronutrients (35%).Principal components analysis of interrelations between tissue elements indicated a clear distinction between N, P, K, Cu, Mn, and Zn levels and ash, Ca, Mg, Na, and Fe levels on the first component. This difference related closely to water depth and fire incidence. The coincidence of burning with water depth and the period of maximum snowmelt and runoff in the Spring suggested the loss of N, P, K, Cu, Mn and Zn by volotilization, runoff, or leaching.Stem density was the most important parameter influencing tissue N, P, and K concentrations whereas soil nitrogen levels were important in ash, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Water depth was the most important variable in the case of Cu, Fe, Mn, Na and Zn levels. Typha angustifolia had the highest level of total nutrients in green tissue,Carex lanuginosa the lowest. Principal components analysis indicated soil nitrogen, water depth, and soil potassium levels, in that order, were the three most important variables influencing the patterns of tissue element variation among species.Potassium and sodium levels in 1-year old litter were 11% and 0.4% compared to concentrations in green tissue. Iron and manganese, both subject to oxidation and adsorption to litter at the soil surface, were distinctly higher (2247% and 199%) in litter than green tissue. Concentrations of these and other elements in litter were consistent with results reported in literature and indicated litter was especially active as a site of cation exchange in the system.