Cycling plant cells

Microbial immobilization drives nitrogen cycling differences among plant species

In many terrestrial ecosystems nitrogen (N) limits productivity and plant community composition is influenced by N availability. However, vegetation is not only controlled by N; plant species may influence ecosystem N dynamics through positive or negative effects on N cycling. We examined four potential mechanisms of plant species effects on nitrogen (N) cycling. We found no species differences...

Insect herbivory accelerates nutrient cycling and increases plant production.

Ecologists hold two views about the role of herbivory in ecosystem dynamics. First, from a food web perspective in population/community ecology, consumption by herbivores reduces plant abundance. Second, from a nutrient cycling perspective in ecosystem ecology, herbivory sometimes slows down cycling, which decreases plant abundance, but at other times speeds up cycling, which possibly increases...

Mechanisms of plant species impacts on ecosystem nitrogen cycling

J. M. H. Knops,* K. L. Bradley and D. A. Wedin School of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Resource Sciences, University of Nebraska, 348 Manter Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA. *Correspondence: E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Plant species are hypothesized to impact ecosystem nitrogen cycling in two distinctly different ways. First, differences in nitrogen use efficiency can lead to positiv...

Combining plant and soil c cycling models – consideration of methods

Plant species effects on nutrient cycling: revisiting litter feedbacks.

In a review published over two decades ago I asserted that, along soil fertility gradients, plant traits change in ways that reinforce patterns of soil fertility and net primary productivity (NPP). I reevaluate this assertion in light of recent research, focusing on feedbacks to NPP operating through litter decomposition. I conclude that mechanisms emerging since my previous review might weaken...