Studies on the Correlation between delta[sup.13]C and Nutrient Elements in Two Desert Plants

• Published in: Forests 2023-12, Vol.14 (12)
• Main Authors: Zhou Zheng, Xue Wu, Lu Gong, Ruixi Li, Xuan Zhang, Zehou Li, Yan Luo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beans; Carbon; Compositae; Environmental aspects; Isotopes; Legumes; Mimosaceae; Physiological aspects; Testing
• ISSN: 1999-4907; 1999-4907
• DOI: 10.3390/f14122394

Stable carbon isotopes (δ[sup.13] C) and elemental stoichiometry characteristics are important ways to research the water and nutrient use strategies of plants. Investigating the variation patterns inof δ[sup.13] C and the major nutrient elements in different organs of plants and the correlation among them can reveal the ecological strategies of desert plants in extreme arid environments. In this study, two typical desert plants, Alhagi sparsifolia and Karelinia caspia, were studied in the Tarim Basin. By analyzing the changes in δ[sup.13] C, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) and the ecological stoichiometry of their roots, stems, and leaves, the distribution patterns among different organs and their correlation with soil environmental factors were revealed. The results showed the following: (1) The δ[sup.13] C of the two plants differed significantly among different organs (p < 0.01). The root and stem of Alhagi sparsifolia had significantly greater δ[sup.13] C than the leave, while the δ[sup.13] C of Karelinia caspia showed a root > stem > leaf gradient; (2) the C content in the leaves of the two plants was significantly lower than that of the root (p < 0.01), whereas the N content showed the opposite trend (p < 0.01); (3) the average N:P of Alhagi sparsifolia was >16.00, indicating it was mainly limited by P elements, while the average N:P of Karelinia caspia was