Bryophyte physiological responses to, and recovery from, long-term nitrogen deposition and phosphorus fertilisation in acidic grassland

Arróniz-Crespo, M; Leake, JR; Horton, P; Phoenix, GK

HERO ID

2000223

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2008

Language

English

PMID

18801005

HERO ID 2000223
In Press No
Year 2008
Title Bryophyte physiological responses to, and recovery from, long-term nitrogen deposition and phosphorus fertilisation in acidic grassland
Authors Arróniz-Crespo, M; Leake, JR; Horton, P; Phoenix, GK
Journal New Phytologist
Volume 180
Issue 4
Page Numbers 864-874
Abstract Atmospheric nitrogen deposition can cause major declines in bryophyte abundance yet the physiological basis for such declines is not fully understood. Bryophyte physiological responses may also be sensitive bioindicators of both the impacts of, and recovery from, N deposition. Here, responses of tissue nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K): NPK), N and P metabolism enzymes (nitrate reductase and phosphomonoesterase), photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, sclerophylly and percentage cover of two common bryophytes (Pseudoscleropodium purum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus) to long-term (11 yr) enhanced N deposition (+3.5 and +14 g N m(-2) yr(-1)) are reported in factorial combination with P addition. Recovery of responses 22 months after treatment cessation were also assessed. Enhanced N deposition caused up to 90% loss of bryophyte cover but no recovery was observed. Phosphomonoesterase activity and tissue N:P ratios increased up to threefold in response to N loading and showed clear recovery, particularly in P. purum. Smaller responses and recovery were also seen in all chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and altered photosynthetic pigment composition. The P limitation of growth appears to be a key mechanism driving bryophyte loss along with damage to photosystem II. Physiological measurements are more sensitive than measurements of abundance as bioindicators of N deposition impact and of recovery in particular.
Doi 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02617.x
Pmid 18801005
Wosid WOS:000260727500015
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword bioindicators; chlorophyll fluorescence; nitrate reductase; nitrogen deposition; P limitation; phosphomonoesterase; Pseudoscleropodium purum; Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus