Nitrogen uptake capacity of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) only partially depends on tree age

Abstract: Nitrogen (N) acquisition is a major factor determining the processes and mechanisms involved in tree productivity, development, and competitiveness. However, only few studies have investigated changes in N capturing with tree age. We conducted 15N incubation experiments to quantify inorganic (i.e. ammonium and nitrate) and organic (i.e. glutamine-N and arginine-N) net N acquisition capacity of beech trees of five age classes. Our results showed no general pattern, but that net N uptake capacity was rather N source-specific. Inorganic and glutamine-N uptake did not differ between age classes at all. Arginine-N uptake was highest in the youngest and oldest stands reflecting a high N demand by seedlings for root foraging and biomass production despite low internal N storage capacities and by older trees for storage and reproduction. Organic N was preferred over inorganic N regardless of tree age. Overall, our study shows the high significance of organic N sources for N acquisition in beech trees

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: ISSN: 1432-2285

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2023
• Creator: Simon, Judy ; Bilela, Silvija ; Rennenberg, Heinz

Further information

• DOI: 10.1007/s00468-021-02190-z
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2368046
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:44 PM CET