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A comparison of foliar nutrient concentration in trees from monsoon rainforest and savanna in northern Australia
Analysis of foliar nutrient concentrations revealed that two mesophyllic monsoon rainforest trees had higher concentrations of most nutrients in leaves than eight savanna species. One of the rested monsoon rainforest species with sclerophyllous leaves had similar nutrient concentrations to the savanna tree species. There were positive or no significant correlations between live foliar nutrient concentration and the percentage of nutrients withdrawn prior to litterfall. The nutrient concentration of litter was similar for most nutrients among tree species of monsoon rainforest or savanna. The results of this study suggest that the relative fertility of surface soils of monsoon rainforest compared with savanna is not determined by contrasting nutrient cycling strategies whereby monsoon rainforest tree species enrich their soils with relatively nutrient rich leaf litter relative to savanna tree species.
History
Publication title
Australian Journal of EcologyVolume
20Pagination
335-339ISSN
0307-692XDepartment/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Wiley-BlackwellPlace of publication
United KingdomRepository Status
- Restricted