Integrating Ecological Stoichiometry to Understand Nutrient Limitation and Potential for Competition in Mixed Pasture Assemblages

Much is known about growth and nutrient uptake traits ecological stoichiometry in natural systems. However, these concepts have been comparatively understudied agricultural systems despite their potential to infer limitation interspecific resource competition. This study established a model mixed pasture system assess tissue C:N C:P aboveground biomass (AGB) grass (Phalaris aquatica) legume (Trifolium vesiculosum) under factorial inputs of high low nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P), monoculture mixture. Due inherent trait diversity, we expected growth, shoot vs root N:P homeostasis differ response between Grass AGB was greater with N addition mixture, decreased by but increased P, more so Nutrient determined via strong coupling stoichiometry, which limitation. Legume not correlated for P detected P. homeostatic than grass, mixtures monocultures. Integrating alongside trait-based ecology useful tool predicting how fertiliser management may affect balance species dominance agroecosystems.