Basin-wide variations in foliar properties of Amazonian forest: phylogeny, soils and climate

Fyllas, N. M.; Patiño, S.; Baker, T. R.; Nardoto, G. Bielefeld; Martinelli, L. A.; Quesada, C. A.; Paiva, R.; Schwarz, M.; Horna, V.; Mercado, L. M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4069-0838; Santos, A.; Arroyo, L.; Jimenez, E. M.; Luizao, F. J.; Neill, D. A.; Silva, N.; Prieto, A.; Rudas, A.; Silviera, M.; Vieira, I. C. G.; Lopez-Gonzalez, G.; Malhi, Y.; Phillips, O. L.; Lloyd, J.. 2009 Basin-wide variations in foliar properties of Amazonian forest: phylogeny, soils and climate. Biogeosciences, 6. 2677-2708.

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Abstract/Summary

We analysed 1040 individual trees, located in 62 plots across the Amazon Basin for leaf mass per unit area (MA), foliar carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) and leaf level concentrations of C, N, P, Ca, Mg, K and Al. All trees were identified to the species level with the dataset containing 58 families, 236 genera and 508 species, distributed across a wide range of soil types and precipitation regimes. Some foliar characteristics such as MA, [C], [N] and [Mg] emerge as highly constrained by the taxonomic affiliation of tree species, but with others such as [P], [K], [Ca] and δ13C also strongly influenced by site growing conditions. By removing the environmental contribution to trait variation, we find that intrinsic values of most trait pairs coordinate, although different species (characterised by different trait suites) are found at discrete locations along a common axis of coordination. Species that tend to occupy higher fertility soils are characterised by a lower MA and have a higher intrinsic [N], [P], [K], [Mg] and δ13C than their lower fertility counterparts. Despite this consistency, different scaling patterns were observed between low and high fertility sites. Inter-relationships are thus substantially modified by growth environment. Analysing the environmental component of trait variation, we found soil fertility to be the most important predictor, influencing all leaf nutrient concentrations and δ13C and reducing MA. Mean annual temperature was negatively associated with leaf level [N], [P] and [K] concentrations. Total annual precipitation positively influences MA, [C] and δ13C, but with a negative impact on [Mg]. These results provide a first basis for understanding the relationship between the physiological functioning and distribution of tree species across Amazonia.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 1 - Monitoring and Interpretation of Biogeochemical and Climate Changes > BGC - 1.3 - Quantify & attribute changes in biogeochemiical cycles ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Harding (to July 2011)
ISSN:	1726-4170
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Full text is available to this article via the Official URL link
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Earth Sciences Data and Information
Date made live:	19 Apr 2010 15:00 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/9262

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