Soil characteristics and nitrogen resorption in Stipa krylovii native to northern China

Nitrogen (N) resorption from senescing tissues enables plants to conserve and reuse this important nutrient. As such, it is expected that plant species adapted to infertile soils could have a higher N-resorption efficiency (percentage reduction of nitrogen between green and senescing tissues) and/or higher N-resorption proficiency (absolute reduction of nitrogen in senescing tissues) than those adapted to fertile soils. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationships among soil characteristics (total N, nitrate-N, ammonium-N, pH and moisture) and N resorption in Stipa kryloviiRoshev., a species occurred widely in natural grasslands of northern China. N contents in green and senescing tissues were 6.7±0.1 and 3.3±0.1 mg g^–1, respectively. The mean value of N-resorption efficiency was found to be 72.1%. The N-resorption efficiency in S. kryloviiwas independent of soil characteristics. The N-resorption proficiency in S. kryloviiwas dependent on soil nitrate- and ammonium-N, but it was relatively independent of soil total N. The N-resorption proficiency was negatively correlated with soil pH and moisture. There was a positive correlation between N concentration in green tissues and resorption efficiency. However, N-resorption efficiency was not correlated significantly with N concentration in senescing tissues. These results indicate that the intraspecific variation in N resorption of Stipa kryloviiRoshev. is associated with soil regimes and that higher N resorption on N-poor soils is an adaptive strategy for S. kryloviito maximize N use under conditions of limited N supply.     

Requirement of vegetation gaps for seedling establishment of two unpalatable grasses in a native grassland of central Argentina

Abstract The objective was to determine the effects of root and shoot competition on seedling establishment of the unpalatable grasses Stipa gynerioides and S. tenuissima in a native grassland of central Argentina dominated by the palatable grass S. clarazii. Seeds of the two unpalatable species were sown in natural occurring microsites with shoot and root competition from the palatable species, and in artificially created microsites without either shoot competition or shoot and root competition. In addition, fresh seeds of the unpalatable species were subjected to daily alternating temperatures under laboratory and field conditions to determine the effect on seed dormancy and germination. Seedling establishment of S. gynerioides and S. tenuissima occurred only in microsites without shoot and root competition. Also, the fluctuation of temperature near the soil surface in these microsites reduced dormancy and promoted rapid germination in both species. Our results support the hypothesis that, in swards dominated by palatable grasses, vegetation gaps of low competitive pressure favour seedling establishment of unpalatable grasses. It is suggested that the creation of these gaps by overgrazing can be an important mechanism in the process of species replacement in native grasslands.     

Stoichiometric and nutrient resorption characteristics of dominant tree species in subtropical Chinese forests

This study investigated seasonal patterns in stoichiometric ratios, nutrient resorption characteristics, and nutrient use strategies of dominant tree species at three successional stages in subtropical China, which have not been fully understood. Fresh leaf and leaf litterfall samples were collected in growing and nongrowing seasons for determining the concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). Then, stoichiometric ratios (i.e., C:N, C:P, N:P, and C:N:P) and resorption parameters were calculated. Our results found that there was no consistent variation in leaf C:N and C:P ratios among different species. However, leaf N:P ratios in late‐successional species became significantly higher, indicating that P limitation increases during successional development. Due to the P limitation in this study area, P resorption efficiency and proficiency were higher than corresponding N resorption parameters. Dominant tree species at early‐successional stage adopted “conservative consumption” nutrient use strategy, whereas the species at late‐successional stage inclined to adopt “resource spending” strategy.     

华南两种豆科人工林体内养分转移特性

报道了马占相思与大叶相思两种豆科植物叶内养分的动态及养分转移特征 ,分析测定两种植物的绿叶与黄叶内氮、磷、钾、钠、钙、镁等 6种元素的含量。结果表明 ,两种植物的成熟叶养分含量季节性变化不明显 ,全年养分水平较为稳定。马占相思体内氮、磷、钾、镁养分水平显著高于大叶相思 ,这 4种元素在绿叶与黄叶内的含量也有显著差别。两种植物对 4种元素大量转移再利用 ,但对钙、钠没有表现出转移 ,大叶相思与马占相思平均养分转移率分别为 :氮 49.8% ,39.8% ,磷 75 .5 % ,66.5 % ,钾 61 .8% ,43.3% ,镁 1 9.4% ,1 5 .6%。作为豆科植物具有的固氮能力 ,使转移率格局与非豆科植物不同 ,表现为氮转移率降低 ,而其它元素转移率显著上升。马占相思氮转移量高达 1 1 2 .43kg/( hm2 · a) ,磷 1 2 .74kg/( hm2 ·a) ,钾 45 .78kg/( hm2 · a) ,但镁只有 1 .64kg/( hm2 · a) ,大叶相思养分转移量为 :氮 90 .1 7kg/( hm2 · a) ,磷 7.2 3kg/( hm2·a) ,钾 34.49kg/( hm2·a) ,镁 1 .5 8kg/( hm2·a) ,通过转移获得的养分与植物从环境中吸收的养分量大致相当 ,这两个养分源共同满足了植物生长过程中的养分需求。     

福建东山短枝木麻黄小枝氮磷含量及其再吸收率季节动态

对福建东山赤山林场短枝木麻黄纯林小枝中的N和P含量、N ∶ P比、养分再吸收率的季节动态进行研究.结果表明,随着小枝的成熟和衰老,各季节N和P的含量依次降低,其中衰老小枝中N和P含量分别为(3.97±0.21)～(8.64±0.58) mg · g~(-1)和(0.04±0.03)～(0.10±0.03) mg · g~(-1),基本上表现为N和P的完全再吸收.成熟小枝N ∶ P比的季节动态介于(18.67±3.24)～(37.98±1.32)之间,均高于16,表明木麻黄的生长受到不同程度的P限制.N、P再吸收率的季节变化分别为(51.02±4.66)%～(63.00±8.61)%和(81.24 ±5.08)%～(91.78±5.84)%,P再吸收率显著高于N.N和P的再吸收率之间以及成熟叶中N、P含量与二者再吸收率之间没有显著相关性,但在衰老叶中存在显著负相关,表明养分再吸收程度越高,其再吸收率就越高.因此,木麻黄通过小枝衰老过程中的养分再吸收,减少养分的损失,从而适应贫瘠的立地条件.     

Nutrient resorption from senescing leaves of epiphytes,hemiparasites and their hosts in tropical forests of Sri Lanka

Aims Epiphytes and hemiparasites do not have direct access to soil nutrients. Epiphytes acquire nutrients through symbiosis, foliar leachates and throughfall, whilst hemiparasites have specialized structures (haustoria) to acquire nutrients from their host. Irrespective of the green leaf nutrient concentrations of epiphytes, hemiparasites and their hosts, nutrient-resorption efficiency and proficiency are expected to be the greater in epiphytes than in their hosts and in hemiparasites. These hypotheses were tested.     

蒙古栎不同冠层部位叶片养分动态

以长白山原始针阔叶混交林优势树种蒙古栎为对象,研究了6-10月生长季不同冠层叶片单位叶面积质量(LMA)、单位质量和单位叶面积的C、N、P含量变化,以及N、P的再吸收效率与利用效率.结果表明:在生长季,蒙古栎冠层上、下部叶片的LMA和单位叶面积C含量(Carea)表现出明显的月动态变化;单位叶面积N、P含量(Narea、Parea)的月变化趋势与单位质量N、P含量(Nmass、Pmass)相似,而用单位叶面积与单位质量表示的N、P再吸收效率无明显差异.冠层位置对N的再吸收效率和利用效率无明显影响,但冠层上部P的再吸收效率和利用效率显著高于冠层下部.在未来气候变化情景下,蒙古栎较高的生存力和竞争力有助于促进生态系统的养分循环.     

Simulated climate change decreases nutrient resorption from senescing leaves

Nutrient resorption is the process whereby plants recover nutrients from senescing leaves and reallocate them to storage structures or newer tissues. Elemental resorption of foliar N and P has been shown to respond to temperature and precipitation, but we know remarkably little about the influence of warming and drought on the resorption of these and other essential plant macro‐ and micronutrients, which could alter the ability of species to recycle their nutrients. We conducted a 5 year manipulative field study to simulate predicted climate change conditions and studied the effects of warming (W), rainfall reduction (RR), and their combination (W+RR) on nutrient resorption efficiency in five coexisting shrub species in a semiarid shrubland. Both mature and senesced leaves showed significant reductions in their nutrient contents and an altered stoichiometry in response to climate change conditions. Warming (W, W+RR) reduced mature leaf N, K, Ca, S, Fe, and Zn and senesced leaf N, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, and Zn contents relative to ambient temperature conditions. Warming increased mature leaf C/N ratios and decreased N/P and C/P ratios and increased senesced leaf C/N and C/P ratios. Furthermore, W and W+RR reduced nutrient resorption efficiencies for N (6.3%), K (19.8%), S (70.9%) and increased Ca and Fe accumulation in senesced leaves (440% and 35.7%, respectively) relative to the control treatment. Rainfall reduction decreased the resorption efficiencies of N (6.7%), S (51%), and Zn (46%). Reductions in nutrient resorption efficiencies with warming and/or rainfall reduction were rather uniform and consistent across species. The negative impacts of warming and rainfall reduction on foliar nutrient resorption efficiency will likely cause an impairment of plant nutrient budgets and fitness across coexisting native shrubs in this nutrient‐poor habitat, with probable implications for key ecosystem functions such as reductions in nutrient retention in vegetation, litter decomposition, and nutrient cycling rates.     

长期氮沉降对杉木人工林叶、枝氮磷养分再吸收的影响

为了解森林养分内循环对全球变化的响应, 基于长期模拟氮沉降试验, 研究了杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata)人工林不同龄级(一年生、二年生和衰老)叶和枝的氮(N)、磷(P)养分分配及其再吸收特征, 并分析了不同模拟N沉降处理时间(7年和14年)杉木叶N、P养分再吸收差异。在12年生杉木中开展模拟N沉降试验, 以尿素(CO(NH₂)₂)为N源, 设N0、N1、N2和N3 4个处理水平, 施氮量分别为0、60、120和240 kg·hm ^-2·a ^-1, 每个处理重复3次。结果表明: (1)叶和枝在衰老过程中碳(C)、N和P含量逐渐降低, 且叶的C、N和P含量比枝高; N含量大小依次为一年生叶>二年生叶>衰老叶>一年生枝>二年生枝>衰老枝, 且N3 > N2 > N1 > N0, 而C:N则呈现相反的趋势; 衰老器官的C:N、C:P、N:P比新鲜器官高; N沉降增加了不同龄级叶和枝(除二年生叶外)的N、N:P和C:P, 但降低了P和C:N。(2)叶和枝的N、P养分再吸收率(RE_N、RE_P)随龄级的增加至衰老有规律地递减, 且RE_P > RE_N; 受长期N沉降的影响, RE_N叶(28.12%) <枝(30.00%), 而RE_P则为叶(45.82%) >枝(30.42%); 杉木叶和枝N:P与RE_N:RE_P之间存在极显著的线性相关关系。(3)随N沉降处理时间的增加, 叶RE_N呈降低态势, 各处理(N1、N2和N3)分别降低了9.85%、3.17%和11.71%; 而RE_P则明显上升, 分别增加了71.98%、42.25%和9.60%。研究结果表明: 不同器官、不同龄级的养分再吸收率随氮沉降处理的水平、处理时间而所有不同; RE_N:RE_P与N:P之间存在紧密关系。     

Nitrogen resorption from senescing leaves of three salt marsh plant species

Seasonalvariation in leaf nitrogen of mature green and senescent leaves and nitrogenresorption efficiency in three plants (Spartina maritima, Halimioneportulacoides and Arthrocnemum perenne) of aTagus estuary salt marsh are reported. Total nitrogen concentrations in greenand senescent leaves were higher during winter (December and March). Soilinorganic nitrogen availability showed an opposite pattern with higherconcentrations during summer (June and September) when total leaf biomass washigher. Nitrogen resorption efficiency ranged between 31 and 76% andH. portulacoides was the plant that better minimizednitrogen loss by this process. Nitrogen resorption occurred mainly from thesoluble protein pool, although other fractions must have been broken down duringthe resorption process. No significant seasonal variation in nitrogen resorptionefficiency and no relation to leaf total nitrogen or soil nitrogen availabilitywere found. This suggests that the efficiency of the resorption process is notdetermined by the plant nitrogen status nor by the availability of the nutrientin the soil. Nevertheless, resorption from senescing leaves may play animportant role in the nitrogen dynamics of salt marsh plants and reduce thenitrogen requirements for plant growth.     

Combined effects of nitrogen addition and litter manipulation on nutrient resorption of Leymus chinensis in a semi‐arid grassland of northern China

Plant growth in semi‐arid ecosystems is usually severely limited by soil nutrient availability. Alleviation of these resource stresses by fertiliser application and aboveground litter input may affect plant internal nutrient cycling in such regions. We conducted a 4‐year field experiment to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) addition (10 g N·m^?2·year^?1) and plant litter manipulation on nutrient resorption of Leymus chinensis, the dominant native grass in a semi‐arid grassland in northern China. Although N addition had no clear effects on N and phosphorus (P) resorption efficiencies in leaves and culms, N fertilisation generally decreased leaf N resorption proficiency by 54%, culm N resorption proficiency by 65%. Moreover, N fertilisation increased leaf P resorption proficiency by 13%, culm P resorption proficiency by 20%. Under ambient or enriched N conditions, litter addition reduced N and P resorption proficiencies in both leaves and culms. The response of P resorption proficiency to litter manipulation was more sensitive than N resorption proficiency: P resorption proficiency in leaves and culms decreased strongly with increasing litter amount under both ambient and enriched N conditions. In contrast, N resorption proficiency was not significantly affected by litter addition, except for leaf N resorption proficiency under ambient N conditions. Furthermore, although litter addition caused a general decrease of leaf and culm nutrient resorption efficiencies under both ambient and enriched N conditions, litter addition effects on nutrient resorption efficiency were much weaker than the effects of litter addition on nutrient resorption proficiency. Taken together, our results show that leaf and non‐leaf organs of L. chinensis respond consistently to altered soil N availability. Our study confirms the strong effects of N addition on plant nutrient resorption processes and the potential role of aboveground litter, the most important natural fertiliser in terrestrial ecosystems, in influencing plant internal nutrient cycling.     

Regrowth capacity in relation to defence strategy in Stipa clarazii and Stipa trichotoma,native to semiarid Argentina

Abstract Plants can defend themselves against herbivores by either avoiding or tolerating herbivory. Since avoidance mechanisms divert resources to other than growth processes, it could be expected a lower regrowth capacity in species that avoid herbivory than in species that tolerate herbivory, particularly under competition for resources. We tested this hypothesis by quantifying the regrowth of a grazing‐avoidant (Stipa trichotoma Nees, synonymous Nasella trichotoma (Nees) Hackel ex Arechav.) and a grazing‐tolerant (Stipa clarazii Ball, synonymous Nasella clarazii (Ball) Barkworth) grass species native to semiarid Argentina, when growing either singly or in pairs (one individual of each species) under repeated defoliation in field conditions. Twenty pairs of plants were selected in an area codominated by both species. Plants were protected by a 60 cm‐diameter exclosure, in which the rest of the vegetation had been removed. The same procedure was followed with 20 single plants of each species. The same plants were clipped four times in 1996 and 1998 and five times in 1997. The response variable was the cumulative regrowth per plant at the end of each year. The regrowth was analysed for neutral detergent fibre and nitrogen content. Cumulative regrowth of S. clarazii was higher, similar, or lower than the cumulative regrowth of S. trichotoma in 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively. Regrowth was reduced by interspecific competition, although there was no interaction between species and growing conditions (single or in pairs). Neutral detergent fibre content was consistently higher, whereas nitrogen content was consistently lower, in S. trichotoma than in S. clarazii. Collectively, our results did not support the hypothesis of higher regrowth capacity in the grazing‐tolerant species than in the grazing‐avoidant species. Further, our findings suggest herbivore tolerance is a previously unappreciated trait of S. trichotoma.     

增温和氮素添加降低荒漠草原多年生植物氮素回收效率

植物营养器官在枯萎过程中将部分氮素转移到储藏组织之中,是植物适应生境的重要策略。以位于内蒙古荒漠草原的增温和添加氮素的交互试验为平台,对建群种短花针茅(Stipa breviflora)以及优势种无芒隐子草(Cleistogenes songorica)、银灰旋花(Convolvulus ammannii)、冷蒿(Artemisia frigida)和木地肤(Kochia prostrata)等5种多年生植物绿叶期和枯叶期氮浓度,以及氮素回收效率进行了研究。结果表明:增温处理下,植物绿叶期和枯叶期的平均氮素浓度提高了5.5%和11.3%,氮素回收效率显著降低了7.0%。氮素添加使绿叶期植物氮浓度显著提高了5.2%,使植物氮素回收效率降低2.9%。增温和氮素添加对植物枯叶期、绿叶期氮浓度和氮素回收效率有显著的交互作用。氮浓度和氮素回收效率对增温和氮素添加的响应在5个物种间都有显著差异,即这种响应具有物种特异性。研究表明独立的增温和氮素添加以及两者的交互作用都降低该荒漠草原生态系统中植物氮素回收效率,这些结果将为气候变化条件下荒漠生态系统氮素回收效率变化趋势的预测提供数据支持和实验证据。     

Responses of nitrogen and phosphorus resorption from leaves and branches to long-term nitrogen deposition in a Chinese fir plantation

为了解森林养分内循环对全球变化的响应, 基于长期模拟氮沉降试验, 研究了杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata)人工林不同龄级(一年生、二年生和衰老)叶和枝的氮(N)、磷(P)养分分配及其再吸收特征, 并分析了不同模拟N沉降处理时间(7年和14年)杉木叶N、P养分再吸收差异。在12年生杉木中开展模拟N沉降试验, 以尿素(CO(NH₂)₂)为N源, 设N0、N1、N2和N3 4个处理水平, 施氮量分别为0、60、120和240 kg·hm ^-2·a ^-1, 每个处理重复3次。结果表明: (1)叶和枝在衰老过程中碳(C)、N和P含量逐渐降低, 且叶的C、N和P含量比枝高; N含量大小依次为一年生叶>二年生叶>衰老叶>一年生枝>二年生枝>衰老枝, 且N3 > N2 > N1 > N0, 而C:N则呈现相反的趋势; 衰老器官的C:N、C:P、N:P比新鲜器官高; N沉降增加了不同龄级叶和枝(除二年生叶外)的N、N:P和C:P, 但降低了P和C:N。(2)叶和枝的N、P养分再吸收率(RE_N、RE_P)随龄级的增加至衰老有规律地递减, 且RE_P > RE_N; 受长期N沉降的影响, RE_N叶(28.12%) <枝(30.00%), 而RE_P则为叶(45.82%) >枝(30.42%); 杉木叶和枝N:P与RE_N:RE_P之间存在极显著的线性相关关系。(3)随N沉降处理时间的增加, 叶RE_N呈降低态势, 各处理(N1、N2和N3)分别降低了9.85%、3.17%和11.71%; 而RE_P则明显上升, 分别增加了71.98%、42.25%和9.60%。研究结果表明: 不同器官、不同龄级的养分再吸收率随氮沉降处理的水平、处理时间而所有不同; RE_N:RE_P与N:P之间存在紧密关系。     

Experimental evidence for weakened tree nutrient use and resorption efficiencies under severe drought in a subtropical monsoon forest

日益频发的干旱严重威胁着全球森林生态系统的功能。由于干旱胁迫抑制了土壤养分可利用性,因此植物的养分利用和重吸收效率对 森林生态系统的功能以及生物地球化学循环至关重要。然而,目前对于植物养分利用和重吸收效率在干旱条件下的动态响应规律的理解十分 有限,且在(亚)热带区域尤为明显。因此,本研究主要探讨了在湿热森林中不同植物物种在不同月份遭受干旱胁迫时,其养分利用和重吸收 效率的重要性是否会发生变化以及如何变化。本研究在2016年10月–2019年5月期间,依托一处位于亚热带常绿阔叶林的隔离70%自然穿透 雨的干旱实验平台,采集了木荷(Schima superba)和石栎(Lithocarpus glaber)两个物种在不同月份的鲜叶及凋落叶,用于分析干旱对两种植物叶片氮磷利用和重吸收效率的影响(NUE和PUE,NRE和PRE)。研究结果表明,干旱对氮磷利用和重吸收效率的作用在不同植物物种和月份之间有差异。基于两年的观测结果显示,干旱对木荷的养分利用和重吸收效率无显著影响,却使石栎的NUE、NRE和PRE分别降低了3.4%、 20.2%和7.1%。另外,2017 年夏季发生的自然干旱进一步加剧了干旱对石栎养分重吸收的负作用。在2017年8月,石栎的NUE和PUE在干旱处理下分别降低了17.2%和58.1%,而NRE和PRE分别下降了56.5%和53.8%。此外,石栎的NRE,PRE和NUE对干旱的响应显著依赖于土壤水分条件,即当土壤湿度降至约9 v/v%时,存在一个阈值使干旱处理的效果从无影响转变为负作用。我们的结果表明,在干旱条件下亚热带常绿阔叶林树木的养分利用呈现出了物种特定的阈值响应。     

氮素添加对黄土高原典型草原长芒草氮磷重吸收率及C:N:P化学计量特征的影响

 为了解氮素沉降对草地群落的影响, 通过人工氮肥添加模拟试验, 研究了黄土高原天然草地优势植物长芒草(Stipa bungeana)在不同施氮水平下叶片和立枯物碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)元素含量的变化特征, 探讨了N素增加对N、P重吸收率和C : N : P化学计量比的影响及其内在联系。结果表明: 氮素添加显著增加了长芒草叶片的C、N和立枯物的N、P含量, 对叶片P和立枯物C含量无显著影响; 氮素添加显著降低了长芒草的N、P重吸收率, 对照处理的N、P重吸收率最高, 分别为60.35%和
71.75%, 并且, 在相同氮素处理条件下P的重吸收率显著大于N重吸收率; 随着氮素添加量的增大, 叶片的C : N降低, N : P和C : P增加, N : P为18.25–29.01。研究表明, 黄土高原天然草地群落主要受P限制, 随氮素沉降增加, P限制进一步加剧; 长芒草较高的N、P重吸收率是保证其在贫瘠的土壤中生存的重要机制。     

Concentrations and resorption patterns of 13 nutrients in different plant functional types in the karst region of south-western China

Background and Aims

Elucidating the stoichiometry and resorption patterns of multiple nutrients is an essential requirement for a holistic understanding of plant nutrition and biogeochemical cycling. However, most studies have focused on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and largely ignored other nutrients. The current study aimed to determine relationships between resorption patterns and leaf nutrient status for 13 nutrient elements in a karst vegetation region.

Methods

Plant and soil samples were collected from four vegetation types in the karst region of south-western China and divided into eight plant functional types. Samples of newly expanded and recently senesced leaves were analysed to determine concentrations of boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), N, sodium (Na), P, sulphur (S) and zinc (Zn).

Key Results

Nutrient concentrations of the karst plants were lower than those normally found in other regions of China and the rest of the world, and plant growth was mainly limited by P. Overall, four nutrients revealed resorption [N (resorption efficiency 34·6 %), P (48·4 %), K (63·2 %) and Mg (13·2 %)], seven nutrients [B (–16·1 %), Ca (–44·0 %), Cu (–14·5 %), Fe (–205·5 %), Mn (–72·5 %), Mo (–35·6 %) and Zn (–184·3 %)] showed accumulation in senesced leaves and two nutrients (Na and S) showed no resorption or accumulation. Resorption efficiencies of K and Mg and accumulation of B, Ca, Fe and Mn differed among plant functional types, and this strongly affected litter quality. Resorption efficiencies of N, P and K and accumulation of Ca and Zn increased with decreasing concentrations of these nutrients in green leaves. The N:P, N:K and N:Mg ratios in green leaves predicted resorption proficiency for N, K and Mg, respectively.

Conclusions

The results emphasize the fact that nutrient resorption patterns strongly depend on element and plant functional type, which provides new insights into plant nutrient use strategies and nutrient cycling in karst ecosystems.     

Nitrogen resorption from leaves under different growth irradiance in three deciduous woody species

Resorption of nitrogen (N) from senescing leaves is an important conservation mechanism that allows plants to use the same N repeatedly. We measured the extent of N resorption in plants co-occurring in a beech forest to examine the variability of N resorption, especially in relation to growth irradiance. Measurements were done in three deciduous woody species; one adult and several juvenile trees of Fagus crenata and several adult trees of Lindera umbellata and Magnolia salicifolia. N resorption efficiency (R_EFF; percentages of leaf N that is resorbed during leaf senescence) did not differ significantly among leaves under different growth irradiances in any species we studied. R_EFF was affected by the growth stage of the tree in F. crenata with the values being consistently lower in juvenile trees than in the adult tree. N resorption proficiency (R_PROF; N concentration of dead leaves) converged to a similar value in F. crenata juvenile trees and M. salicifolia, irrespective of the presenescent leaf N concentration that was affected by growth irradiance. Again, R_PROF was lower (i.e. absolute N concentration was higher) in juvenile trees than in the adult tree in F. crenata. These results suggest that the growth irradiance does not place a great impact on the extent of N resorption, but the growth stage of the tree is influential in some species. The difference between the adult and juvenile trees may be ascribed to the size of N sink tissues, which is likely to increase with plant age.