How to translate text using browser tools
1 November 2011 Spatial Variation in Environment and Physiological Strategies for Forb Distribution on Coastal Dunes
Jaclyn K. Vick, Donald R. Young
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Our objective was to characterize a barrier island dune chronosequence to determine the relationships between spatial distribution and specific physiological strategies for forb survival in a high stress environment. Specifically, we hypothesized that (1) forbs on dune crests, where water is less available, would exhibit higher water-use efficiency (WUE) with higher δ13C compared with the front and back of each dune, (2) forbs on the primary dune where soil N is lowest would exhibit higher N use efficiency (NUE) with lower C∶N ratio compared with forbs on secondary and tertiary dunes, and (3) the taprooted annual, Conyza sp., would have a lower WUE and NUE compared with two shallow-rooted biennials. For each species, we determined leaf C∶N, %N, δ13C, relative water content, and total chlorides. Environmental characteristics quantified on each dune included depth to water table and soil chlorides, organic matter, and pH. No significant differences were found for δ13C across dune positions or C∶N values across dune ages; therefore, these two hypotheses were not supported. Conyza sp. had the lowest δ13C and C∶N ratio, which supports our hypothesis that Conyza sp. would have the lowest WUE and NUE and might have more access to resources compared with Cirsium and Rumex species. Cirsium sp. had the highest δ13C (−27.1 ± 0.1‰), indicating greater WUE. Cirsium sp. also had the largest range of C∶N values, suggesting a more plastic NUE. Higher WUE and NUE may partially explain why Cirsium sp. was the only species found at every site.

Jaclyn K. Vick and Donald R. Young "Spatial Variation in Environment and Physiological Strategies for Forb Distribution on Coastal Dunes," Journal of Coastal Research 27(6), 1113-1121, (1 November 2011). https://doi.org/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-10-00156.1
Received: 8 October 2010; Accepted: 28 February 2011; Published: 1 November 2011
KEYWORDS
barrier islands
nitrogen use efficiency
stable isotopes
Succession
water use efficiency
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top