Differential responses of two wetland graminoids to high ammonium at different pH values

Enhanced soil ammonium () concentrations in wetlands often lead to graminoid dominance, but species composition is highly variable. Although is readily taken up as a nutrient, several wetland species are known to be sensitive to high concentrations or even suffer toxicity, particularly at low soil pH. More knowledge about differential graminoid responses to high availability in relation to soil pH can help to better understand vegetation changes. The responses of two wetland graminoids, Juncus acutiflorus and Carex disticha, to high (2 mmol·l^?1) versus control (20 μmol·l^?1) concentrations were tested in a controlled hydroponic set up, at two pH values (4 and 6). A high concentration did not change total biomass for these species at either pH, but increased C allocation to shoots and increased P uptake, leading to K and Ca limitation, depending on pH treatment. More than 50% of N taken up by C. disticha was invested in N‐rich amino acids with decreasing C:N ratio, but only 10% for J. acutiflorus. Although both species appeared to be well adapted to high loadings in the short term, C. disticha showed higher classic detoxifying responses that are early warning indicators for decreased tolerance in the long term. In general, the efficient aboveground biomass allocation, P uptake and N detoxification explain the competitive strength of wetland graminoids at the expense of overall biodiversity at high loading. In addition, differential responses to enhanced affect interspecific competition among graminoids and lead to a shift in vegetation composition.