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Seasonal nitrogen storage and remobilization in the forb Rumex acetosa

  1. U. Bausenwein1,†,
  2. P. Millard1,
  3. B. Thornton1,
  4. J. A. Raven2

Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001

DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2435.2001.00524.x

Issue

Functional Ecology

Functional Ecology

Volume 15, Issue 3, pages 370–377, June 2001

Additional Information

How to Cite

Bausenwein, U., Millard, P., Thornton, B. and Raven, J. A. (2001), Seasonal nitrogen storage and remobilization in the forb Rumex acetosa. Functional Ecology, 15: 370–377. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2435.2001.00524.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK, and

  2. 2

    Biological Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK

  1. †

    Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: u.bausenwein@mluri.sari.ac.uk

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 DEC 2001
  2. Article first published online: 20 DEC 2001

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Keywords:

  • grassland;
  • internal cycling;
  • 15N labelling;
  • overwintering reserves;
  • taproot

Summary

  • 1
     The contribution of N storage and remobilization to the vegetative and reproductive growth of the forb Rumex acetosa was quantified using 15N labelling techniques with plants derived from semi-natural grasslands in Scotland.
  • 2
     The contribution of remobilized N to the total N in the new above-ground tissues was highest at the beginning of the growing season at 58%. New leaves and reproductive organs contained equal amounts of remobilized N.
  • 3
     During early vegetative growth, the taproot was the main source of remobilized N, whereas during reproductive growth, N was additionally remobilized from fine roots and leaves.
  • 4
     Free amino acids (mainly arginine and glutamine) and proteins were identified as the main storage compounds in the taproots. The protein pool did not show any seasonal variations that indicated the existence of a vegetative storage protein, indicating that such proteins are not a necessary component of N storage/remobilization in all species.
  • 5
     The ability to store and remobilize N provides a mechanism for growth in the spring when the availability of soil N is low, and means that growth depends upon environmental conditions during more than one year.
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