scholarly journals Trade-off strategy of leaf functional traits of desert halophyte Lycium ruthenicum in the lower reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China: response to soil moisture and salinity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanjia Li ◽  
Wei Gou ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Guoqiang Wu ◽  
Peixi Su
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Heihe River ◽  
Soil Factors ◽  
N Content ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Soil Layers ◽  
Leaf Trait ◽  
Lycium Ruthenicum ◽  
Saline Habitats

Abstract Background: Soil salinization affects plant growth and causes changes in leaf traits. Lycium ruthenicum Murr., a shrub with significant soil and water conservation capacities. In this paper, we analyze the trade-offs of leaf functional traits of eight L.ruthenicum populations growing at varying distances from the Heihe river by dividing the eight sites into three groups according to the average soil salinity and discussing the effects of soil factors at 0-40cm and 40-80cm on leaf trait patterns. We also attempt to explain desert L.ruthenicum trade-off strategies by choosing fourteen leaf traits to link with soil factors. Results: Low N contents indicated that L.ruthenicum was located at the slow investment-return axis of the species resource utilization graph. Compared to non-saline and very slightly saline sites, populations of slightly saline sites showed higher C:N. The redundancy analysis "RDA" results showed that 0-40cm and 40-80cm soil properties explained 70.99% and 71.09% of leaf trait variation, respectively. As soil salinity gradients increased, leaf C:N increased and N content decreased, and the difference was significant. Populations in non-saline and very slightly saline habitats tended to have higher leaf C content, while populations in slightly saline habitats tended to have lower leaf C content, and the discrepancy was evident. Relative importance analysis found that in the 0-40cm layer, leaf traits variations were mainly influenced by soil water content (SWC), HCO3-and CO32-, while leaf trait variations in the 40-80cm layer were mainly influenced by HCO3- and SO42-ions. Conclusions: The growth of L. ruthenicum in the Ejina desert is mainly restricted by N content, which determines soil fertility. L.ruthenicum has a foliar resource acquisition method and a resource conservation trade-off with a flexible life history strategy. Leaf traits can vary significantly due to different environments in a given habitat. As the environmental gradient changes from mild to severe, the populations present a pattern of increased C:N,increased C content, reduced N:P, and reduced N content. In the shallow soil layers of saline-stressed arid environments,water has a greater effect than salt on leaf trait variation.In both shallow and deep soil layers, HCO3- ions have a relatively large effect on leaf properties.

scholarly journals Trade-Off Relationships of Leaf Functional Traits of Lycium ruthenicum in Response to Soil Properties in the Lower Reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Shanjia Li ◽  
Wei Gou ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
James F. White ◽  
Guoqiang Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Heihe River ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Lycium Ruthenicum ◽  
Saline Habitats

Soil properties affect plant growth and cause variation in leaf functional traits. Lycium ruthenicum Murray is one of the desert dominant shrubs and halophytes in the lower reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China. We analyzed the trade-off relationships of 14 leaf functional traits of eight L. ruthenicum populations growing at varying distances from the river and discussed the effects that soil properties have on leaf functional traits. The results showed that: Lower leaf nitrogen (N) content indicated that L. ruthenicum was located at the slow investment–return axis of the species resource utilization graph. Compared with non-saline and very slightly saline habitats, populations of slightly saline habitats showed a higher carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N). Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a relatively strong relationship between leaf functional traits and soil properties, the first RDA axis accounted for 70.99 and 71.09% of the variation in 0–40 and 40–80 cm of soil properties. Relative importance analysis found that in the 0–40 cm soil layer, leaf traits variations were mainly influenced by soil moisture (SWC), HCO3− and CO32− ions content, while leaf traits variations in the 40–80 cm soil layer were mainly influenced by HCO3− and SO42−. L. ruthenicum has a foliar resource acquisition method and a resource conservation trade-off with a flexible life history strategy in habitats with drought and salinity stress. In the shallow soil layers, water affects leaf traits variation greater than salt , and in both shallow and deep soil layers, HCO3− plays a dominant role on leaf traits. This study provides insights into the adversity adaptation strategies of desert plants and the conservation and restoration of arid-saline ecosystems.

scholarly journals Trade-off strategies of leaf functional traits of desert halophyte Lycium ruthenicum in the lower reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China: response to soil moisture and salinity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanjia Li ◽  
Wei Gou ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Guoqiang Wu ◽  
Peixi Su
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Heihe River ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Leaf Trait ◽  
Saline Habitats

Abstract Background: Soil salinization affects plant growth and causes changes in leaf traits. Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is one of the dominant shrubs and halophytes in the lower reaches of the Heihe River in Northwest China. We analyze the trade-off strategies of fourteen leaf functional traits of eight L.ruthenicum populations growing at varying distances from the Heihe River, and discussed the effects soil moisture and salinity on leaf functional traits. Results: Lower nitrogen (N) contents indicated that L.ruthenicum was located at the slow investment-return axis of the species resource utilization graph. Compared to non-saline and very slightly saline sites, populations of slightly saline sites showed higher carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N). Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a relatively strong relationship between leaf functional traits and soil properties, the first RDA axis accounted for 70.99 % and 71.09 % of the variation in 0-40 cm and 40-80 cm of soil moisture and salinity. Populations in non-saline and very slightly saline habitats tended to have higher leaf C content, whereas populations in slightly saline habitats tended to have lower leaf C content, and the discrepancy was evident. Relative importance analysis found that in the 0-40 cm soil layer, leaf traits variations were mainly influenced by soil moisture (SWC), HCO3- and CO32- ions content, while leaf trait variations in the 40-80 cm soil layer were mainly influenced by HCO3- and SO42-. Conclusions: The leaf functional traits of L. ruthenicum in this region are mainly restricted by soil N content. The L.ruthenicum populations formed a pattern of increased C:N ratios and C content, reduced nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P) and N content from very slightly saline soil to slightly saline. L.ruthenicum has a foliar resource acquisition method and a resource conservation trade-off with a flexible life history strategy in habitats with drought and salinity stress. In the shallow soil layers, water has a greater effect than salt on leaf trait variation, in both shallow and deep soil layers, HCO3- have a relatively important effect on leaf traits. We believe that these findings will provide some baseline information to facilitate the management and restoration of arid-saline desert ecosystems.

scholarly journals Trade-off relationship of leaf functional traits of desert halophyte Lycium ruthenicum in the lower reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China: response to soil moisture and salinity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanjia Li ◽  
Wei Gou ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Guoqiang Wu ◽  
Peixi Su
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Heihe River ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Saline Habitats ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Background: Soil salinization affects plant growth and causes changes in leaf traits. Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is one of the dominant shrubs and halophytes in the lower reaches of the Heihe River in Northwest China. We analyzed the trade-off relationship of fourteen leaf functional traits of eight L.ruthenicum populations growing at varying distances from the Heihe River, and discussed the effects that soil moisture and salinity have on leaf functional traits. Results: Lower nitrogen (N) contents indicated that L.ruthenicum was located at the slow investment-return axis of the species resource utilization graph. Compared with non-saline and very slightly saline sites, populations of slightly saline sites showed higher carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N). Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a relatively strong relationship between leaf functional traits and soil properties, the first RDA axis accounted for 70.99 % and 71.09 % of the variation in 0-40 cm and 40-80 cm of soil moisture and salinity. Populations in non-saline and very slightly saline habitats tended to have higher leaf C content, whereas populations in slightly saline habitats tended to have lower leaf C content, and the discrepancy was evident. Relative importance analysis found that in the 0-40 cm soil layer, leaf traits variations were mainly influenced by soil moisture (SWC), HCO3- and CO32- ions content, while leaf trait variations in the 40-80 cm soil layer were mainly influenced by HCO3- and SO42-. Conclusions: The leaf functional traits of L. ruthenicum in this region are mainly restricted by soil N content. The L.ruthenicum populations formed a pattern of increased C:N ratios and C content, reduced nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P) and N content from very slightly saline soil to slightly saline. L.ruthenicum has a foliar resource acquisition method and a resource conservation trade-off with a flexible life history strategy in habitats with drought and salinity stress. In the shallow soil layers, water affects greater than salt on leaf traits variation; in both shallow and deep soil layers, HCO3- plays a dominant role on leaf traits. We believe that these findings will provide some baseline information to facilitate the management and restoration of arid-saline desert ecosystems.

scholarly journals Trade-off strategy of leaf functional traits of desert halophyte Lycium ruthenicum in the lower reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China: response to soil moisture and salinity

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanjia Li ◽  
Wei Gou ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Guoqiang Wu ◽  
Peixi Su
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Life History Strategy ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Heihe River ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Lycium Ruthenicum ◽  
Water Contents ◽  
Soil Water Contents

Abstract Abstract Background: Understanding salinity resistance and water utilization on shrub species is a challenge to the management and conservation of desert halophytes. Lycium ruthenicum Murr.with a significant soil and water conservation capacity, is one of the dominant shrubs and halophytes in the lower reaches of the Heihe River, Northwest China. In this paper, the effects of two depths (0-40 and 40-80 cm) of soil salinities and water contents on the leaf functional traits of eight L. ruthenicum communities in different distances from the main channel were studied. Fourteen leaf water physiological and ecological stoichiometric traits were investigated, linking with soil factors to explain desert plant trade-off strategies. Results: Specific leaf volume (SLV), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf thickness (LT), nitrogen (N), C:N, C:P could serve as good indicators of drought and saline resistance. Low N, specific leaf area (SLA) indicated that the plant was located at the slow investment-return axis of the species resource utilization. Low C:N, C:P showed that L. ruthenicum had a defensive life history strategy at drought and salinity areas. The RDA results showed that 0-40 and 40-80 cm soil properties respectively explained 93.45% and 99.96% leaf traits variation. Soil water contents, HCO3- had extremely positive correlation (P<0.01) with leaf functional traits. Shallow soil water contents significantly affects P, and deeper soil water contents significantly responds C and N; shallow soil salinity significantly affected LT, C and N contents, whereas deeper soil salinity significantly affected N and SLV. Conclusions: L. ruthenicum had a foliar resource acquisition and resource conservation trade-off with a defensive life history strategy in the area of drought and salinity. This finding provides baseline information to facilitate the management and restoration of arid-saline desert ecosystem.

scholarly journals Effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on leaf functional traits and the relationships between traits in Pinus koraiensis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Ji ◽  
Guangze Jin ◽  
Zhili Liu
Keyword(s):  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Leaf Age ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Ontogenetic Stage ◽  
Pinus Koraiensis ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
N Content ◽  
Ontogenetic Stages ◽  
Leaf N Content ◽  
Leaf N

AbstractInvestigating the effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on leaf traits is important for understanding the utilization and distribution of resources in the process of plant growth. However, few studies have been conducted to show how traits and trait-trait relationships change across a range of ontogenetic stage and leaf age for evergreen coniferous species. We divided 67 Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc. of various sizes (0.3–100 cm diameter at breast height, DBH) into four ontogenetic stages, i.e., young trees, middle-aged trees, mature trees and over-mature trees, and measured the leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and mass-based leaf nitrogen content (N) and phosphorus content (P) of each leaf age group for each sampled tree. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to describe the variation in leaf traits by ontogenetic stage and leaf age. The standardized major axis method was used to explore the effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on trait-trait relationships. We found that LMA and LDMC increased significantly and N and P decreased significantly with increases in the ontogenetic stage and leaf age. Most trait-trait relationships were consistent with the leaf economic spectrum (LES) at a global scale. Among them, leaf N content and LDMC showed a significant negative correlation, leaf N and P contents showed a significant positive correlation, and the absolute value of the slopes of the trait-trait relationships showed a gradually increasing trend with an increasing ontogenetic stage. LMA and LDMC showed a significant positive correlation, and the slopes of the trait-trait relationships showed a gradually decreasing trend with leaf age. Additionally, there were no significant relationships between leaf N content and LMA in most groups, which is contrary to the expectation of the LES. Overall, in the early ontogenetic stages and leaf ages, the leaf traits tend to be related to a "low investment-quick returns" resource strategy. In contrast, in the late ontogenetic stages and leaf ages, they tend to be related to a "high investment-slow returns" resource strategy. Our results reflect the optimal allocation of resources in Pinus koraiensis according to its functional needs during tree and leaf ontogeny.

Differential impact of liana colonization on the leaf functional traits of co-occurring deciduous and evergreen trees

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
vivek pandi ◽  
Kanda Naveen Babu
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Differential Impact ◽  
Deciduous Species ◽  
Evergreen Species ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Leaf Trait ◽  
Host Trees ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract The present study was carried out to analyse the leaf functional traits of co-occurring evergreen and deciduous tree species in a tropical dry scrub forest. This study also intended to check whether the species with contrasting leaf habits differ in their leaf trait plasticity, responding to the canopy-infestation by lianas. A total of 12 leaf functional traits were studied for eight tree species with contrasting leaf habits (evergreen and deciduous) and liana-colonization status (Liana+ and Liana−). In the liana-free environment (L−), evergreen trees had significantly higher specific leaf mass (LMA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) than the deciduous species. Whereas, the deciduous trees had higher specific leaf area (SLA) and mass-based leaf nitrogen concentration (Nmass). The leaf trait-pair relationship in the present study agreed to the well-established global trait-pair relationships (SLA Vs Nmass, Lth Vs SLA, Nmass Vs Lth, Nmass Vs LDMC, LDMC Vs SLA). There was no significant difference between L+ and L− individuals in any leaf functional traits studied in the deciduous species. However, evergreen species showed marked differences in the total chlorophyll content (Chlt), chlorophyll b (Chlb), SLA, and LMA between L+ and L− individuals of the same species. Deciduous species with the acquisitive strategy can have a competitive advantage over evergreen species in the exposed environment (L−) whereas, evergreen species with shade-tolerant properties were better acclimated to the shaded environments (L+). The result revealed the patterns of convergence and divergence in some of the leaf functional traits between evergreen and deciduous species. The results also showed the differential impact of liana colonization on the host trees with contrasting leaf habits. Therefore, liana colonization can significantly impact the C-fixation strategies of the host trees by altering their light environment. Further, the magnitude of such impact may vary among species of different leaf habits. The increased proliferation of lianas in the tropical forest canopies may pose a severe threat to the whole forest carbon assimilation rates.

scholarly journals Stem trait spectra underpin multiple functions of temperate gymnosperm and angiosperm tree species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanshan Yang ◽  
Frank J. Sterck ◽  
Ute Sass-Klaassen ◽  
J. Hans C. Cornelissen ◽  
Richard S.P. van Logtestijn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Fast Growth ◽  
Growth Strategy ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Plant Strategy ◽  
Leaf Habit ◽  
Angiosperm Species ◽  
Central Paradigm ◽  
Diffuse Porous

Abstract A central paradigm in comparative ecology is that species sort out along a global economic strategy spectrum, ranging from slow to fast growth. Many studies evaluated plant strategy spectra for leaf traits, b u t few studies evaluated stem strategy spectra using a comprehensive set of anatomical, chemical and morphological traits, addressing key stem functions of different stem compartments (inner wood, outer wood and bark). This study evaluates how stem traits vary in the wood and bark of temperate tree species, and whether a slow-fast growth strategy spectrum exists and what traits make up this plant strategy spectrum. For 14 temperate gymnosperm and angiosperm species, 20 traits belonging to six key stem functions were measured for three stem compartments. Both across and within gymnosperms and angiosperms, a slow-fast stem strategy spectrum is found. Gymnosperms have slow traits and showed converging stem strategies because of their uniform tracheids. Angiosperms have fast traits and showed diverging stem strategies because of a wider array of tissues (vessels, parenchyma and fibers) and vessel size and arrangements (ring-porous versus diffuse porous). Gymnosperms showed a main trade-off between hydraulic efficiency and safety, and angiosperms showed a main trade-off between ‘slow’ diffuse porous species and ‘fast’ ring porous species. The slow traits of gymnosperms allow for a high hydraulic safety, an evergreen leaf habit and steady but slow growth makes them successful in unproductive habitats whereas the fast traits of angiosperms allow for high conductivity, a deciduous leaf habit and fast growth which makes them successful in productive habitats.

scholarly journals Predicting Leaf Trait Variability as a Functional Descriptor of the Effect of Climate Change in Three Perennial Grasses

Diversity ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 233
Author(s):  
Marwa Hamdani ◽  
Khouloud Krichen ◽  
Mohamed Chaieb
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Arid Ecosystems ◽  
Leaf Trait ◽  
Grassland Species ◽  
Dimensional Shrinkage ◽  
Potential Link ◽  
Dehydration Avoidance ◽  
Stipa Lagascae

Aims of the study: The most important trends of the current climate variability is the scarcity of rains that affects arid ecosystems. The aim of this study was to explore the variability of leaf functional traits by which grassland species survive and resist drought and to investigate the potential link between resource use efficiency and water scarcity resistance strategies of species. Methods: Three grasses (Cenchrus ciliaris (C4), Stipa parviflora and Stipa lagascae (C3)) were established in a randomized block consisting of eleven replications. The seedlings were kept under increasing levels of water stress. In addition to their functional leaf traits, the rate of water loss and dimensional shrinkage were also measured. Key Results: Thicker and denser leaves, with higher dry matter contents, low specific leaf area and great capacity of water retention are considered among the grasses’ strategies of dehydration avoidance. Significant differences between the means of the functional traits were obtained. Furthermore, strong correlations among leaf traits were also detected (Spearman’s r exceeding 0.8). Conclusions: The results provide evidence that the studied grasses respond differently to drought by exhibiting a range of interspecific functional strategies that may ameliorate the resilience of grassland species communities under extreme drought events.

scholarly journals Short-Term Nitrogen Addition Does Not Significantly Alter the Effects of Seasonal Drought on Leaf Functional Traits in Machilus pauhoi Kanehira Seedlings

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Yu ◽  
Dongliang Cheng ◽  
Baoyin Li ◽  
Chaobin Xu ◽  
Zhongrui Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Traits ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Leaf Traits ◽  
N Deposition ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
N Addition ◽  
Subtropical China ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Leaf Functional Traits ◽  
Seasonal Drought

Research Highlights: Short-term nitrogen (N) addition did not significantly alter the effects of seasonal drought on the leaf functional traits in Machilus pauhoi Kanehira seedlings in N-rich subtropical China. Background and Objectives: Seasonal drought and N deposition are major drivers of global environmental change that affect plant growth and ecosystem function in subtropical China. However, no consensus has been reached on the interactive effects of these two drivers. Materials and Methods: We conducted a full-factorial experiment to analyze the single and combined effects of seasonal drought and short-term N addition on chemical, morphological and physiological traits of M. pauhoi seedlings. Results: Seasonal drought (40% of soil field capacity) had significant negative effects on the leaf N concentrations (LNC), phosphorus (P) concentrations (LPC), leaf thickness (LT), net photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Gs), and predawn leaf water potential (ψPD), and significant positive effects on the carbon:N (C:N) ratio and specific leaf area (SLA). Short-term N addition (50 kg N·hm−2·year−1 and 100 kg N·hm−2·year−1) tended to decrease the C:N ratio and enhance leaf nutrient, growth, and photosynthetic performance because of increased LNC, LPC, LT, leaf area (LA), SLA, A, E, and ψPD; however, it only had significant effects on LT and Gs. No significant interactive effects on leaf traits were detected. Seasonal drought, short-term N addition, and their interactions had significant effects on soil properties. The soil total C (STC), nitrate N (NO3−-N) and soil total N (STN) concentrations were the main factors that affected the leaf traits. Conclusions: Seasonal drought had a stronger effect on M. pauhoi seedling leaf traits than short-term N deposition, indicating that the interaction between seasonal drought and short-term N deposition may have an additive effecton M. pauhoi seedling growth in N-rich subtropical China.

Characteristics of C, N, P, and their response to soil water and salt in leaves of Lycium ruthenicum in the lower reaches of the Heihe River

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
李善家 LI Shanjia ◽  
苟伟 GOU Wei ◽  
王辉 WANG Hui ◽  
伍国强 WU Guoqiang ◽  
苏培玺 SU Peixi
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Heihe River ◽  
Lycium Ruthenicum ◽  
Soil Water And Salt
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