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CO2 and soil water potential as regulators of the growth and N fraction derived from fixation of a legume in tallgrass prairie communities

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Abstract

Background and Aims

CO2 enrichment may increase N input to ecosystems by increasing N2 fixation, but the fixation-CO2 response depends on factors such as soil water availability that are influenced by soil properties.

Methods

We used the δ 15N natural abundance method to estimate the proportion of N in the legume Desmanthus illinoensis that was derived from N2 fixation following 2–8 years of growth along a subambient to elevated CO2 gradient. Desmanthus was grown in tallgrass prairie communities on each of three soils of differing texture.

Results

Only on a clay soil was it possible to calculate fixation (Nfix; g N m−2). The fraction of legume N derived from fixation (Ndfa) decreased by 20 % as CO2 increased from subambient to elevated concentrations. The negative effect of reduced Ndfa on Nfix was obscured by variation in Desmanthus production along the CO2 gradient that was positively linked to the ANPP-CO2 response of communities. Across soils, legume production was negatively correlated with soil water potential to 0.3 m depth (Ψsoil).

Conclusions

Nfix in grasslands may depend primarily on Ψsoil as influenced by soil hydrological properties. CO2 enrichment may reduce Nfix during years in which the legume-CO2 and related ANPP-CO2 response is small by depressing Ndfa.

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Acknowledgments

Chris Kolodziejczyk operated CO2 chambers. Field and laboratory assistance from Anne Gibson, Katherine Jones, Chris Kolodziejczyk, Alicia Naranjo, Kyle Tiner, and numerous students was invaluable. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not imply endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA–Agricultural Research Service, Grassland, Soil & Water Research Laboratory, Temple, TX, 76502, USA

    H. Wayne Polley, Harold P. Collins, Lara G. Reichmann & Philip A. Fay

Authors
  1. H. Wayne Polley
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  2. Harold P. Collins
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  3. Lara G. Reichmann
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  4. Philip A. Fay
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Correspondence to H. Wayne Polley.

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Responsible Editor: Euan K. James.

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Polley, H.W., Collins, H.P., Reichmann, L.G. et al. CO2 and soil water potential as regulators of the growth and N fraction derived from fixation of a legume in tallgrass prairie communities. Plant Soil 409, 361–370 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-2971-5

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