A survey of leaf phosphorus fractions and leaf economic traits among 12 co-occurring woody species on phosphorus-impoverished soils

Abstract Background and Aims The leaf economic spectrum (LES) is related to dry mass nutrient investments towards photosynthetic processes structures, the duration of returns on those (leaf lifespan, LL). Phosphorus (P) a key limiting for plant growth, yet it unclear how allocation P among different functions coordinated with LES. We addressed this question 12 evergreen woody species co-occurring P-impoverished soils in south-eastern Australia. Methods Leaf ‘economic’ traits, including LL, per area (LMA), light-saturated net rate (A ), dark respiration rate, concentration ([P total ]), nitrogen concentration, resorption, were measured three pioneer nine non-pioneer species. was separated into five functional fractions: orthophosphate (P i metabolite M nucleic acid N lipid L residual R ; phosphorylated proteins unidentified compounds that contain P). Results LL negatively correlated A positively LMA, representing Pioneers occurred short-LL end exhibited higher [P ] than species, primarily associated concentrations , . There no significant correlations between fractions or while Conclusions Allocation varied substantially This variation partially LES, which may provide mechanism underlying co-occurrence ecological strategies under limitation.