Patterns in δ15N in roots, stems, and leaves of sugar maple and American beech seedlings, saplings, and mature trees

Linda Pardo; P. Semaoune; Paul Schaberg; C. Eagar; M. Sebilo

doi:10.1007/s10533-012-9724-1

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Patterns in δ¹⁵N in roots, stems, and leaves of sugar maple and American beech seedlings, saplings, and mature trees

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Linda Pardo, P. Semaoune, Paul Schaberg, C. Eagar, M. Sebilo

Year:

2013

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-012-9724-1

Source:

Biogeochemistry. 112: 275-291.

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Abstract

Stable isotopes of nitrogen (N) in plants are increasingly used to evaluate ecosystem N cycling patterns. A basic assumption in this research is that plant δ¹⁵N reflects the δ¹⁵N of the N source. Recent evidence suggests that plants may fractionate on uptake, transport, or transformation of N. If the dominant source of plant N is via roots, a difference in δ¹⁵N by tissue type would suggest fractionation on transport and assimilation of N. In order to evaluate differences between species and plant parts, we measured δ¹⁵N in root, stem, and leaf tissues of individual sugar maple (Acer saccharum; SM) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia; BE) plants ranging in age from germinants to mature trees at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire (USA).

Keywords

Stable isotopes, Isotopic fractionation, Nitrogen, Species patterns, Northern hardwood forest

Citation

Pardo, L.H.; Semaoune, P.; Schaberg, P.G.; Eagar, C.; Sebilo, M. 2013. Patterns in δ15N in roots, stems, and leaves of sugar maple and American beech seedlings, saplings, and mature trees. Biogeochemistry. 112: 275-291. DOI: 10.1007/s10533-012-9724-1