Seasonal dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, and nutrient resorption efficiencies of Casuarina equisetifolia branchlets in Dongshan County, Fujian
Abstract:Seasonal dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, N∶P ratios and nutrient resorption efficiency of Casuarina equisetifolia branchlets was studied at Chishan Forestry Center of Dongshan County, Fujian Province, China. The results showed that N and P concentrations were highest in young branchlets and decreased with maturity and senescence. N and P concentrations of senescent branchlets ranged from (3.97±0.21) to (8.64±0.58) mg g-1 and (0.04±0.03) to (010±0.03) mg g-1, respectively. N∶P ratios of mature branchlets ((18.67±3.24)~(37.98±1.32)) were all above 16 through the year, showing P was more limiting than N. Nitrogen resorption efficiency (REN) and phosphorus resorption efficiency (REP) were from (51.02±4.66)% to (63.00±8.61)% and from (81.24±5.08)% to (91.78±5.84)% through the year, respectively, and REP was significantly higher than REN. There is no significant correlation between REN and REP. REN is not correlated with either N concentration or N:P ratios in mature branchlets, no correlation was also found between REP and either P concentration or N∶P ratios in mature branchlets. While the significant negative correlation was observed in senescent branchlets.