Abstract We sought to elucidate if the perennial lifestyle per se, or lifeform, enhances independence of soil nutrient availability. We measured parameters of CO2 fixation and electron transport, stomatal conductance, P and N nutrition, as well as integrative water relations (δ13C abundance) of an overstory tree (Snow Gum; Eucalyptus pauciflora, Sieber ex Spreng.) and a perennial understory shrub (Alpine Shaggy-pea; Podolobium alpestre F. Muell.) at two Australian field sites with different soil nutrient availability, but otherwise similar environmental conditions. Snow Gums are renowned for their longevity, including the ability to re-sprout profusely after fire, while Alpine Shaggy-pea has a relatively short lifespan, and regenerates from seed after fire. Photosynthesis parameters of P. alpestre were more sensitive to soil properties than for E. pauciflora. P and N status of leaves and roots of E. pauciflora were comparable at both sites, whereas P and N status of P. alpestre reflected their availability in the soil. Differences in δ13C abundance of the two species studied indicated the use of different water sources at both field sites. These results suggest that long-lived plants with the capability to recycle nutrients from woody tissues, can grow largely independent of soil P and N availability.

中文翻译：

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营养缺乏下亚高山澳大利亚植被的矿物质营养取决于生命形式

摘要 我们试图阐明多年生生活方式本身或生命形式是否增强了土壤养分有效性的独立性。我们测量了上层乔木（Snow Gum; Eucalyptus pauciflora, Sieber ex Spreng.）和多年生林下灌木（ Alpine Shaggy-pea；Podolobium alpestre F. Muell。）在澳大利亚的两个田地，土壤养分利用率不同，但环境条件相似。雪胶以其长寿而闻名，包括在火灾后大量重新发芽的能力，而高山毛豆的寿命相对较短，并在火灾后从种子中再生。P. alpestre 的光合作用参数对土壤性质比 E. 更敏感。少花。E. pauciflora 叶和根的 P 和 N 状态在两个地点相当，而 P. alpestre 的 P 和 N 状态反映了它们在土壤中的可用性。所研究的两个物种的 δ13C 丰度差异表明在两个野外地点使用了不同的水源。这些结果表明，能够从木质组织中回收养分的长寿植物可以在很大程度上独立于土壤 P 和 N 的可用性而生长。