(1) School of Agriculture, Laboratory of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;(2) Present address: Hellenic Sugar Industry SA, Larissa Factory, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
Abstract:
The effect of interspecific competition and element additions (N and P) on four grassland species (Poa pratensis, Lolium perenne, Festuca valida, Taraxacum officinale) grown under field conditions was studied. Two grasses (L. perenne, F. valida) grown in monoculture (absence of competition) showed lower carbon isotope discrimination (13C) and enriched 15N values. Nitrogen addition (as urea) had inconsistent effects on species 13C while caused enrichment of 15N of P. pratensis and F. valida but strong depletion of 15N of T. officinale. Phosphorous had no significant effect on 13C but depleted 15N of all species.