Patterns of Needle Nutrient Resorption and Ecological Stoichiometry Homeostasis along a Chronosequence of Pinus massoniana Plantations

Abstract

Nutrient resorption and stoichiometry ratios are vital indicators to explore nutrient transfer and use efficiency for plants, particularly under the condition of nutrient limitation. However, the changing rules about nutrient resorption and ecological stoichiometry homeostasis are still unclear with the development of plantations. We determined carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations in soil and in fresh and senesced needles along a chronosequence of Pinus massoniana plantations (10, 20, 30, and 36 years old) in Guizhou Province, China. We also calculated the N and P resorption efficiency (NRE and PRE, respectively) and the homeostasis coefficient. The results showed that fresh and senesced needles’ C and N concentrations maintained an increasing trend, whereas their P concentrations decreased initially and subsequently increased as the plantations’ ages increased. Fresh needles’ N:P ratios indicated that N limitation existed before 20 years old, while P limitation appeared in the 30-year-old plantations. The NRE and PRE showed patterns of increasing initially and decreasing subsequently along the chronosequence of P. massoniana plantations, which was coupled with weak stoichiometric homeostasis to reduce nutrient deficiency. Therefore, the appropriate nutrient management measurements should be induced to promote tree growth and the sustainable development of P. massoniana plantations.