Environmental Controls Over Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fractions in Eriophorum Vaginatum in Alaskan Tussock Tundra
Chapin FS, Shaver GR, Kedrowski RA. 1986. Environmental Controls Over Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fractions in Eriophorum Vaginatum in Alaskan Tussock Tundra. Journal of Ecology. 74(1):167-195
In Alaskan tussock tundra the seasonal pattern of most carbon-, nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing chemical fractions was followed for 3 years in E. vaginatum and the response of these fractions to manipulation of light intensity, air temperature, nutrient availability and repeated clipping was examined. In control plants, total-carbohydrate concentration was high (30-35% in stems) and fluctuated less than 10% throughout the growing season, indicating that current photosynthate was adequate to meet concurrent growth demands. Normal yearly variations in growing conditions caused greater change in carbohydrate concentrations than did any manipulation (including 50% reduction in irradiance) except repeated clipping. Carbohydrate reserves returned to control levels following 1 year of recovery from clipping.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Chapin, F; Shaver, G; Kedrowski, R
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- Arctic, Arctic LTER Site, Brooks Range Foothills, Carbon, Chemical Composition, Environmental factors, Eriophorum vaginatum, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Seasonal Variations, Toolik Lake, Tundra