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Leaf Nutrient Patterns in Wild Apple Trees Over Time in a Natural Forest
Greg Howard
19th July, 2024
![Leaf Nutrient Patterns in Wild Apple Trees Over Time in a Natural Forest](https://static.naturalsciencenews.com/images/articles/5498_main.jpg)
Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024
Key Findings
- The study, conducted in the Ili Valley, China, found that nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels in wild apple leaves decreased significantly as the growing season progressed
- Potassium (K) levels in the leaves were notably lower in October compared to May and July, indicating seasonal nutrient changes
- The nutrient resorption efficiency was highest for potassium (K), followed by phosphorus (P), and lowest for nitrogen (N), suggesting potassium is the most limiting nutrient for wild apples
References
Main Study
1) Spatiotemporal patterns of leaf nutrients of wild apples in a wild fruit forest plot in the Ili Valley, China
Published 18th July, 2024
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05417-6
Related Studies
2) N : P ratios in terrestrial plants: variation and functional significance.
3) Relationship between the relative limitation and resorption efficiency of nitrogen vs phosphorus in woody plants.
4) Coexistence of multiple leaf nutrient resorption strategies in a single ecosystem.