C,N and P stoichiometry in different organs of Vitex rotundifolia in a Poyang Lake desertification hill |
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Affiliation: | School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang 330022, China and Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Wetland and Watershed Research, Ministry of Education (Jiangxi Normal University), Nanchang 330022, China |
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Abstract: | Aims The objectives were to clarify the responses of C, N and P stoichiometry of Vitex rotundifolia to desertification, and determine the C, N and P stoichiometric relationships among the organs. Methods In this study, different organs (e.g. flowers, leaves, twigs, creeping stems, fine roots) of V. rotundifolia were sampled along a desertification gradient in a typical Poyang Lak sandy hill. Subsequently, C, N and P contents of various organs were measured. Important findings The results showed nutrient contents in different organs ranged from 386.28 to 449.47 mg·g-1 for carbon, 11.40 to 25.37 mg·g-1 for nitrogen and 0.89 to 1.54 mg·g-1 for phosphorus, respectively. C, N and P contents differed significantly among the five organs. The maximum N and P content were found in flowers, whereas the minimums were observed in twigs and creping stems. Moreover, desertification intensity only significantly affected C, N and C:P. C:N and N:P ratios maintained relatively stable. Except N:P, the other nutrient elements and associated stoichiometry significantly differed among the organs. Hence, organs, rather than desertification intensity mainly controlled the C, N and P content and their stoichiometry variability. Although there was a positive correlation between mass-based N content (Nmass) and P content (Pmass) across the three desertification zones, the Nmass-Pmass relationship in V. rotundifolia did not shift. Irrespective desertification intensity and organs, N:P stoichiometry of V. rotundifolia was well constrained. In addition, significant correlations of C, N and P contents among organs were mainly found in the above-ground parts, especially between twigs and creeping stems. |
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Keywords: | Poyang Lake, desertification hill, plant organ, nutrient, stoichiometry |
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