Factors Limiting Seasonal Growth and Peak Biomass Accumulation in Eriophorum Vaginatum in Alaskan Tussock Tundra
Shaver GR, Chapin F, Gartner BL. 1986. Factors Limiting Seasonal Growth and Peak Biomass Accumulation in Eriophorum Vaginatum in Alaskan Tussock Tundra. Journal of Ecology. 74(1):257-278
In tussock tundra at Toolik Lake, Alaska environmental controls over seasonal growth and peak biomass accumulation were investigated for E. vaginatum ssp. spissum . In a field experiment soil nutrient availability, air temperature, light intensity and clipping regime were manipulated. After three growing seasons, NPK fertilization more than doubled the total biomass per unit area of tussock. The increase was due mainly to higher tiller density, although tiller size also increased. A factorial fertilization experiment indicated that N was the most strongly limiting element. The authors conclude that the seasonal peak in whole-plant E. vaginatum biomass is closely regulated by whole-plant nutrient. The amount of growth achieved per unit area of ground within a growing season (ie. net production) is regulated mainly by nutrient reserves at the start of the year and by uptake after mid-July. Carbon supply does not limit the total amount of seasonal growth, but it may affect the rate at which the seasonal peak biomass is reached.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Shaver, G; Chapin, F; Gartner, Barbara
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- Arctic, Arctic LTER Site, Biomass, Brooks Range Foothills, Eriophorum vaginatum, Grasses, Growth, limiting factors, Seasonal Variations, Toolik Lake, Tundra