The natural abundance of (15)N in mat-forming lichens.
Natural abundance of (15)N and [N] was studied in thalli of mat-forming lichens collected from tundra and heathland sites in the northern and southern hemispheres. The study includes samples of British Cladonia portentosa from sites in regions of high and low N-loading and in heathland growing both directly on peat and independently of the soil substratum, in a canopy of prostrate gorse ( Ulex minor). In the mat-forming lichens examined, a non-random pattern in [N] and delta(15)N was characterised by a minimum in delta(15)N, which occurred most frequently at 20-40 mm below the thallus apex. Nitrogen concentration increased above this point, towards the apex, though remained invariably low towards the thallus base. We discuss the significance of the pattern in [N] and delta(15)N for current theories describing the uptake and recycling of nitrogen by mat-forming lichens in oligotrophic habitats. Our data are incompatible with the suggested uptake of soil organic-N depleted in (15)N, though are consistent with possible internal recycling and the development of a structural necromass. The study emphasises the internal fractionation of nitrogen isotopes and provides a caveat against the assumption that values of delta(15)N provide an unequivocal indicator of source-sink relationships in nitrogen cycling.
Ellis
Christopher J
CJ
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD, Nottingham, UK. c.ellis@rbge.org.uk
Crittenden
Peter D
PD
Scrimgeour
Charles M
CM
Ashcroft
Carl
C
D005591:Chemical Fractionation; D004777:Environment; D008011:Lichens / Q000737:chemistry*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D012987:Soil
D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D012987:Soil; D009584:Nitrogen