Isotopic evidence of the effects of herbivory and landscape position on plant nitrogen sources in a riparian ecosystem.
This study used (15)N natural abundance techniques to investigate whether elk herbivory affects the capability of willow (Salix spp.) and reed-grass (Carex spp.) to access N from groundwater in upper and lower landscape positions within riparian areas of the Rocky Mountain National Park. For this, delta(15)N values of plant, soil, rainfall and groundwater samples were measured within a replicated field experiment. Despite the relatively high variability in the (15)N data, it provided evidence of the effects of grazing and lanscape position on plant N sources. Carex seemed to acquire less groundwater N in upper landscape positions compared to Salix, maybe due to the deeper willow rooting system. However, grazed willows in upper landscape positions seemed to acquire less groundwater N as compared to willows protected from herbivory. These findings were in accordance with other isotopic and non-isotopic studies conducted in the same experimental site.
Menezes
Rômulo S C
RS
Nuclear Energy Department, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil. rmenezes@ufpe.br
D000818:Animals; D031255:Carex Plant / Q000378:metabolism*; D003120:Colorado; D003670:Deer / Q000502:physiology*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D032108:Salix / Q000378:metabolism*; D012621:Seasons; D014881:Water Supply
D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D009584:Nitrogen