Factors limiting seasonal growth and peak biomass accumulation in Eriophorum vaginatum in Alaskan tussock tundra
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Authors: G. R. Shaver, F. Chapin III, and B. L. Gartner
Date: 1986
Journal: Journal of Ecology
Volume: 74
Number: 1
Pages: 257-278
Summary of Methods: Clipped and unclipped plants were exposed to various light, temperature, and fertilizer treatments to determine the factor limiting the growth of Eriophorum vaginatum in an Alaskan tundra. Varying light and temperature levels did not affect plant growth, however, fertilizers greatly enhanced plant growth and nitrogen was determined to be the nutrient that was limiting growth of E. vaginatum plants in this area. Clipping reduced root biomass, individual tiller weight, and end of season total biomass, however, clipping increased N and P concentrations of plant parts, indicating that the reduced root biomass did not limit nutrient uptake. Clipped plants generally recovered from clipping after one growing season and the results suggest that these plants can tolerate intense clipping and maintain nutrient uptake suitable for regrowth the following season.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: limiting nutrient, simulated grazing, biomass production, fertilization, nutrient reserves, root growth
Annotation: All green leaves were clipped from Eriophorum tussocks in both control and fertilized areas every ten days from May 30th until August 19th, 1979.
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