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Estimating N transfers between N2-fixing actinorhizal species and the non-N2-fixing Prunus avium under partially controlled conditions

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Abstract

Two methods of N transfer between plants—by litter decomposition and root-to-root exchange—were examined in mixed plantations of N-fixing and non-fixing trees. Nitrogen transfers from decaying litters were measured by placing 15N-labelled litters from four actinorhizal tree species around shoots of containerized Prunus avium. Nitrogen transfers by root-to-root exchanges were measured after foliar NO3-15N fertilization of Alnus subcordata and Elaeagnus angustifolia growing in containers in association with P. avium. During the first 2 years of litter decomposition, from 5–20% of the N, depending on the litter identity, was released and taken up by P. avium. N availability in the different litters was strongly correlated with the amount of water-soluble N, which was highest in leaves of E. angustifolia. In the association between fixing and non-fixing plants, 7.5% of the A. subcordata N and 25% of E. angustifolia N was transferred to P. avium by root exchange. These results showed that the magnitude of N transfers by root exchange depended on the associated N2-fixing species. Among the species investigated, E. angustifolia displayed the highest capacity for exudating N from roots as well as for releasing N from litters. These qualities make this tree a promising species for enhancing wood yields in mixed stands.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Forêts Tropicales de Guyane, Unité Mixte de Recherche CIRAD-ENGREF-INRA, Campus Agronomique de Kourou, 97387 , Kourou, French Guiana

    J. C. Roggy

  2. Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Unité Mixte de Recherche CNRS 5557, Université Lyon I, 43 Bld du 11 novembre 1918, 69622 , Villeurbanne, France

    A. Moiroud & A. M. Domenach

  3. Laboratoire du Foncionnement des Ecosystèmes, Centre CNRS d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 , Montpellier 5, France

    R. Lensi

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  1. J. C. Roggy
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  2. A. Moiroud
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  4. A. M. Domenach
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Correspondence to J. C. Roggy.

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Roggy, J.C., Moiroud, A., Lensi, R. et al. Estimating N transfers between N2-fixing actinorhizal species and the non-N2-fixing Prunus avium under partially controlled conditions. Biol Fertil Soils 39, 312–319 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-003-0695-1

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