Changes in species abundances with short-term and long-term nitrogen addition are mediated by stoichiometric homeostasis

Background Increasing nitrogen (N) deposition has altered plant communities globally, however the changes in species abundances with short-term vs. long-term N enrichment remains unclear. Stoichiometric homeostasis, quantified by homoeostatic regulation coefficient (H) is a key trait predictive of dominance and responses to global changes. It unknown whether H over time, thereby affecting addition. Methods Here we investigated three representative how changed addition field experiment (2006–2013) an Inner Mongolia grassland. Changes were analyzed using sand culture experiment, correlation between explored address above research gaps. Results The abundance Leymus chinensis decreased addition, increased while Chenopodium glaucum exhibited opposite pattern. Cleistogenes squarrosa was only favored 1-year depressed two or more years values L. C. significantly but did not change for squarrosa. related both Control treatments. Conclusion Species had decrease suggested nutrients use strategy became progressive, which mediated short-