Characterization of Nitrogen Use by Neotropical Myrtaceae in Dry and Wet Forests of Southeast Brazil

We hypothesized that neotropical Myrtaceae could be organized into groups are naturally less or non-responsive to NO3−, and use other N forms, such as amino acids, for internal transport. Ecophysiological tests were conducted measure nitrate reductase activity (NRA), NO3− content, total N, δ15N natural abundance, the C:N ratio in leaves, free acid, transport via xylem sap. showed tree species have a relatively low NRA, addition little leaves sap during wet dry seasons. suggested possible compartmentalization of use, wherein plants derive their from mechanism move between below-ground above-ground parts, assimilating transporting more C through acids glutamine, arginine, citrulline. Evidence availability tropical soils is important when trying understand forest species’ N-use strategies, given importance plant nutrition. Differences responses some seasonality environmental factors suggest need further studies concerning forests, example, help problem deposition ecosystems.