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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Understanding the Influences of Spatial Patterns on N Availability Within the Brazilian Amazon Forest

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Author(s):
Nardoto, Gabriela Bielefeld [1] ; Henry Balbaud Ometto, Jean Pierre [1] ; Ehleringer, James R. [2] ; Higuchi, Niro [3] ; da Cunha Bustamante, Mercedes Maria [4] ; Martinelli, Luiz Antonio [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Energia Nucl Agr, BR-13416000 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Utah, Dept Biol, SIRFER, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 - USA
[3] Inst Nacl de Pesquisas da Amazonia, BR-69083000 Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil
[4] Univ Brasilia, Dept Ecol, BR-70919970 Brasilia, DF - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: ECOSYSTEMS; v. 11, n. 8, p. 1234-1246, DEC 2008.
Web of Science Citations: 51
Abstract

Nitrogen variations at different spatial scales and integrated across functional groups were addressed for lowland tropical forests in the Brazilian Amazon as follows: (1) how does N availability vary across the region over different spatial scales (regional x landscape scale); ( 2) how are these variations in N availability integrated across plant functional groups ( legume 9 non-legume trees). Leaf N, P, and Ca concentrations as well the leaf N isotope ratios (delta(15)N) from a large set of legume and non-legume tree species were measured. Legumes had higher foliar N/Ca ratios than non-legumes, consistent with the high energetic costs in plant growth associated with higher foliar P/Ca ratios found in legumes than in non-legumes. At the regional level, foliar delta(15)N decreased with increasing rainfall. At the landscape level, N availability was higher in the forests on clayey soils on the plateau than in forests on sandier soils. The isotope as well as the non-isotope data relationships here documented, explain to a large extent the variation in delta(15)N signatures across gradients of rainfall and soil. Although at the regional level, the precipitation regime is a major determinant of differences in N availability, at the landscape level, under the same precipitation regime, soil type seems to be a major factor influencing the availability of N in the Brazilian Amazon forest. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 01/09984-6 - The role of legume plants in two tropical ecosystems - Amazonia and Cerrado - using the isotopic technique
Grantee:Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate