Influence of Nitrogen Loading and Species Composition on the Carbon Balance of Grasslands
Wedin D and Tilman D. 1996. Influence of Nitrogen Loading and Species Composition on the Carbon Balance of Grasslands. Science. 274(5293):1720-1723
In a 12-year experimental study of nitrogen (N) deposition on Minnesota grasslands, plots dominated by native warm-season grasses shifted to lwo-diversity mixtures dominated by cool-season grasses at all bu tthe lowest N addition rates. This shift was associated with decreased biomass carbon (C):N ratios, increased N mineralization, increased soil nitrate, high N losses, and low C storage. In addition, plots originally dominated by nonnative cool-season grasses retained little added N and stored little C, even at a low N input rates. Thus, grasslands with high N retention and C stroage rates were the most vulnerable to speices losses and major shifts in C and N cycling.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Wedin, David; Tilman, David
- Units
- ARD
- Keywords
- AIRBIB, ecosystem manipulation, Fertilization, Grassland, Nitrogen