Are phenolic compounds released from the Mediterranean shrub Cistus albidus responsible for changes in N cycling in siliceous and calcareous soils?

Eva Castells; Josep Peñuelas; David W. Valentine

Treesearch

Are phenolic compounds released from the Mediterranean shrub Cistus albidus responsible for changes in N cycling in siliceous and calcareous soils?

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Eva Castells, Josep Peñuelas, David W. Valentine

Year:

2004

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

New Phytologist. 162(1): 187-195

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Abstract

We studied the effects of Cistus albidus leaf leachates on nitrogen-cycling processes in two siliceous soils (granite and schist) and one calcareous soil. We compared those effects with gross N-transformation rates in soils sampled underneath Cistus. Our results show that although phenolic compounds leached from green foliage changed gross N mineralization, their effects on net N rates were eclipsed by the changes produced by polar nonphenolic compounds such as carbohydrates. Plant nonphenolic compounds may drive N cycling under Cistus.

Keywords

phenolics, N cycling, 15N isotope dilution, N immobilization, mediterranean vegetation

Citation

Castells, Eva; Peñuelas, Josep; Valentine, David W. 2004. Are phenolic compounds released from the Mediterranean shrub Cistus albidus responsible for changes in N cycling in siliceous and calcareous soils? New Phytologist. 162(1): 187-195.