Nitrogen addition affects eco-physiological interactions between two tree species dominating in subtropical forests

Nitrogen (N) deposition affects plant growth and interspecific interaction. This study aimed to explore the effect of N on eco-physiological interactions between two tree species dominating in subtropical forests. A greenhouse experiment was conducted for 6 months which conifer Cunninghamia lanceolata broadleaved Phoebe chekiangensis were grown monocultures a mixture under levels addition: 0 45 kg ha−1 yr−1. The growth, root architecture, biomass distribution, element contents plants soil, photosynthetic physiology determined. height crown width both seedlings tended be higher than monoculture when without addition. P. superior C. resource acquisition showed greater net rate, height, width, total biomass, belowground distribution. In mixture, addition increased rate decreased ground diameter, species. Belowground distribution but P monocultures. Results aggravated competition weakened largely determined by resources through changing architecture allocation. Our results provide new insights into mechanisms interaction response increasing silvicultural practice.