Empirical evidence and theoretical understanding of ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycle interactions

Stocker, B. D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2697-9096, Dong, N. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0793-8854, Perkowski, E. A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9523-8892, Schneider, P. D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1358-5549, Xu, H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3902-9620, de Boer, H. J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6933-344X, Rebel, K. T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1722-3935, Smith, N. G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7048-4387, Van Sundert, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6180-3075, Wang, H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2482-1818, Jones, S. E., Prentice, I. C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1296-6764 and Harrison, S. P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5687-1903 (2024) Empirical evidence and theoretical understanding of ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycle interactions. New Phytologist. ISSN 1469-8137 doi: 10.1111/nph.20178

Abstract/Summary

Interactions between carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in terrestrial ecosystems are simulated in advanced vegetation models, yet methodologies vary widely, leading to divergent simulations of past land C balance trends. This underscores the need to reassess our understanding of ecosystem processes, given recent theoretical advancements and empirical data. We review current knowledge, emphasising evidence from experiments and trait data compilations for vegetation responses to CO2 and N input, alongside theoretical and ecological principles for modelling. N fertilisation increases leaf N content but inconsistently enhances leaf‐level photosynthetic capacity. Whole‐plant responses include increased leaf area and biomass, with reduced root allocation and increased aboveground biomass. Elevated atmospheric CO2 also boosts leaf area and biomass but intensifies belowground allocation, depleting soil N and likely reducing N losses. Global leaf traits data confirm these findings, indicating that soil N availability influences leaf N content more than photosynthetic capacity. A demonstration model based on the functional balance hypothesis accurately predicts responses to N and CO2 fertilisation on tissue allocation, growth and biomass, offering a path to reduce uncertainty in global C cycle projections.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/119260
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Department of Geography and Environmental Science
Publisher	Wiley
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