Community-specific patterns of nitrogen transformations along an elevational gradient in alpine and subalpine ecosystems

Abstract Aims The aim of the study was to investigate N biogeochemistry four neighboring, high mountain plant communities and identify main factors which drive variability among them. We hypothesized that vegetation types differ in terms transformations, spatial differentiation dominant growth form can reflect an existence several N-environments along elevational gradient. Methods Plant soil characteristics were studied types: heathland, scrub, sward tall forb. Leaf nitrate reductase activity total measured species. Soil pH, C, N, inorganic dissolved organic concentrations measured. net mineralization rate examined. Results DistLM PERMANOVA analyses revealed driven primarily by elevation, N–NH 4 + , pH C. identified three distinct “N-poor alpine” located at highest altitudes, strongly N-limited dominated dwarf-shrub. "N-mixed subalpine" middle gradient covered scrub sward. It characterized moderate turnover rate. "N-rich occurred lowest locations subalpine forb community. exhibited dynamics transformations rich N. Conclusion Three identified: N-poor alpine, N-mixed subalpine, N-rich subalpine. Variability