Cárate Tandalla, D.; Homeier, J. & Batáry, P. (2024): <b>Responses of tropical tree seedlings to nutrient addition: A meta-analysis to understand future changes in tropical forest dynamics</b>. <i>Current Forestry Reports</i> <b>11</b>, 3.
Resource Description
Title:
Responses of tropical tree seedlings to nutrient addition: A meta-analysis to understand future changes in tropical forest dynamics
email:
jhomeie <at> gwdg.de
Faculty of Resource Management
University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK)
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Individual:
Péter Batáry
Contact:
email:
webmaster <at> tropicalmountainforest.org
Abstract:
Purpose of the Review The escalating impacts of human activities and climate change, particularly increased nutrient leaching<br/>
and deposition, could significantly alter the productivity, structure, and function of tropical vegetation. To better understand<br/>
how nutrient deposition affects regeneration in tropical ecosystems, we synthesised studies that added N, P, NP, or NPK to<br/>
the seedlings of tropical tree and shrub species.<br/>
Recent Findings In the tropics, nutrient limitation leads to multiple resource constraints. Our systematic review and hierarchical<br/>
meta-analyses aimed to: (1) test the effect of nutrient addition on the growth rate and biomass allocation of seedlings<br/>
of tropical species; (2) examine seedling responses across climate-defined groups; (3) quantify the effects of experimental<br/>
methods and wood density on species’ responses to experimental fertilisation.<br/>
Summary Overall, nutrient addition increased seedling shoot biomass by 26% and growth rates by 14%. Pot and transplantation<br/>
experiments demonstrated stronger positive effects than in-situ observational studies. Nutrient combinations yielded the<br/>
highest growth rates (NPK: 27%, and NP: 18%), and N was critical for shoot biomass (N: 38%, and NP: 48%). The responses<br/>
of shoot biomass indicated co-limitation of N and P, but also high variability in seedling responses to individual nutrients.<br/>
Temperature and precipitation had indirect regulating effects, while seasonality showed the strongest impact in seasonally<br/>
dry sites (38% growth rate and 70% shoot biomass). Species showed individual responses to nutrients, influenced by biotic<br/>
and abiotic interactions. Finally, we suggest tracking additional parameters, like forest successional status, that may intensify<br/>
nutrient deposition effects on tropical soils due to climate change.
