Sexual reproduction trait expressions of grassland species along a gradient of nitrogen: phosphorus stoichiometry

Abstract Aims Plant investment in sexual reproduction is affected by nitrogen (N): phosphorus (P) stoichiometry. It has been suggested that an important adaptation to strong P limitation reduced reproduction. We aim investigate the specific influence of N:P on performance within and between grassland species. Methods Eleven species were selected ten plots covering N limitation, co-limitation limitation. Nutrients soil above-ground biomass determined, plus pH moisture. A range traits measured as a proxy for Results At intraspecific level: compared with N-limited plots, P-limited/co-limited flowering time was later, period individuals shorter, number flowers (inflorescences) per individual smaller. interspecific level, had significantly earlier longer seed stalk panicle, than those plots. However, shorter smaller under limitation/co-limitation. Moreover, significant correlations moisture, also found. Conclusions limitation/co-limitation restrict species, which may hamper their dispersal capacity. recommend future studies further analyze relationship stoichiometry pH, well moisture addition analyzing