Influence of nutrient availability and tree wildling density on nutrient uptake by
Oxalis acetosella and Acer saccharum.
Tessier JT, McNaughton SJ, Raynal DJ
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry,
Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
[Record supplied by publisher]
Loss of nutrients following pulses of nutrient input in northern hardwood forests and the
general effects of atmospheric deposition on forest communities are of concern. Uptake of
nutrients by ground layer vegetation, including herbs and tree wildlings, may be important
in both of these processes. We brought plants from the field (Catskill Mts, New York) and
grew them under controlled environment conditions at two nutrient input levels to
determine responses of Oxalis acetosella and Acer saccharum to increased nutrient input
and tree wildling density. Oxalis nutrient concentration increased for many nutrients
compared to field plants. Both species doubled their P concentration when P input doubled.
Biomass of Oxalis was unaffected by both nutrient input level and Acer wildling density.
Acer showed a similar response to increased nutrient input and its density did not affect
the response of Oxalis to increased nutrient input. Results indicate that both species may
be important to nutrient retention in northern hardwood forests.