Effects of nitrogen addition and drought on the relationship between nitrogen- and water-use efficiency in a temperate grassland

Abstract Background Nitrogen- and water-use efficiency (NUE WUE) reflect the capacity of plants to take up utilize resources in environments. Although N deposition drought are known affect plant growth persistence, it remains elusive how adjust NUE, WUE their relationship adapt concurrent under context global change. We conducted a field experiment temperate grassland Inner Mongolia, which addition (10 g m – 2 yr −1 ), (reduced 66% precipitation during growing season) combination were manipulated, we explored responses both instantaneous INST ) long-term LT NUE for six common species ( Leymus chinensis , Stipa baicalensis Thermopsis lanceolata Potentilla bifurca Thalictrum squarrosum Klasea centauroide ). Results Across all species, decreased increased with drought; drought, while drought. A significant interactive effect between was detected, that, weakened negative on but enhanced positive . As consequence, caused trade-off WUE, brought forth correlation WUE. Meanwhile, varied among different functional groups. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that play an important role determining adaptability changes soil nitrogen water availability induced by results shed light antagonistic, synergetic neutral effects resource use efficiency, further clarified groups, will conduce comprehensive understanding persistence coexistence ecosystems.