Nutrient availability is a key factor in determining the productivity of an ecosystem. The concentration of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus is regulated by several mechanisms within the soil including their interactions with one another. These mechanisms, often referred to as co-limitation or stepwise co-limitation, often allow the availability of one nutrient to either suppress or elevate the availability of another nutrient within the soil. Understanding these interactions, and how they function in the large variety of biomes and ecosystems allows us to gain a better grasp on the various mechanisms affecting ecosystem productivity, specifically in northern hardwood forests. Nutrient interactions were studied in thirteen forest stands selected from 3 sites across central New Hampshire. Within each stand, four treatment plots were designated and fertilized yearly with controlled amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. The concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus available in the soil were quantified with the use of resin strips inserted into the soil from 2014-2017, and 2019. Following this, an ANOVA statistical analysis was performed with concentrations of available nitrate and phosphate being compared from all 4 plots across all 4 years. Soil nutrient responses supported the development of stepwise co-limitation within the hardwood forests as elevated concentrations of phosphorus suppressed the availability of nitrogen within the ecosystem. These findings help contribute to our understanding of the interaction between nutrients within the soil and open investigation into how their interaction may be impacted by other productive mechanisms within the ecosystem. This investigation directly relates to my interest in a future career in environmental consultation as understanding the various mechanisms of ecosystem productivity is important when determining the level of disturbance generated by urban development.
Author: Anton Yushanov, Biology and Environmental Science
Advisor: Melany Fisk, Biology
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