Journal article
Phosphorus limitation, soil-borne pathogens and the coexistence of plant species in hyperdiverse forests and shrublands
New Phytologist, Vol.206(2), pp.507-521
2015
Abstract
Hyperdiverse forests occur in the lowland tropics, whereas the most species-rich shrublands are found in regions such as south-western Australia (kwongan) and South Africa (fynbos). Despite large differences, these ecosystems share an important characteristic: their soils are strongly weathered and phosphorus (P) is a key growth-limiting nutrient. Soil-borne pathogens are increasingly being recognized as drivers of plant diversity in lowland tropical rainforests, but have received little attention in species-rich shrublands. We suggest a trade-off in which the species most proficient at acquiring P have ephemeral roots that are particularly susceptible to soil-borne pathogens. This could equalize out the differences in competitive ability among co-occurring species in these ecosystems, thus contributing to coexistence. Moreover, effective protection against soil-borne pathogens by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi might explain the occurrence of monodominant stands of ECM trees and shrubs amongst otherwise species-rich communities. We identify gaps in our knowledge which need to be filled in order to evaluate a possible link between P limitation, fine root traits, soil-borne pathogens and local plant species diversity. Such a link may help to explain how numerous plant species can coexist in hyperdiverse rainforests and shrublands, and, conversely, how monodominant stands can develop in these ecosystems.
Details
- Title
- Phosphorus limitation, soil-borne pathogens and the coexistence of plant species in hyperdiverse forests and shrublands
- Authors/Creators
- E. Laliberté (Author/Creator)H. Lambers (Author/Creator)T.I. Burgess (Author/Creator)S.J. Wright (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- New Phytologist, Vol.206(2), pp.507-521
- Publisher
- Blackwell Publishing
- Identifiers
- 991005544168707891
- Copyright
- © 2014 The Authors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
309 File views/ downloads
162 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
Highly Cited Paper
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.40 Forestry
- 3.40.86 Plant Communities
- Web Of Science research areas
- Plant Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Plant & Animal Science