Effects of long-term nitrogen addition on root phosphorus acquisition strategy in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations

YIN Tianlong, LIU Zhi, REN Hao, MA Yaoyuan, GU Jiacun

Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (1) : 150-159.

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南京林业大学学报（自然科学版）
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Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition） ›› 2026, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (1) : 150-159. DOI: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202501024

Effects of long-term nitrogen addition on root phosphorus acquisition strategy in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations

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Abstract

【Objective】 The objective of this study was to reveal the effects of long-term nitrogen (N) addition on root phosphorus (P) acquisition strategies of plantations in northeast China, providing a fundamental understanding in the framework of root economics space. 【Method】Following a 20-year N-addition manipulation in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations in Maoershan, Heilongjiang Province, China, we investigated the effect of long-term N addition on root phosphatase activity (RPA) in the surface (0-10 cm) and subsurface (11-20 cm) soils, and explored the relationship between RPA and root morphology, mycorrhizal colonization rate, and rhizosphere soil properties. 【Result】Long-term nitrogen (N) addition promoted an increasing trend in rhizosphere soil available phosphorus and phosphatase activity for both L. gmelinii and F. mandshurica. Root phosphatase activity (RPA) progressively declined from first-to third-order roots in both species, though no significant differences were observed between soil layers. Within the same root order, F. mandshurica consistently exhibited higher RPA than L. gmelinii. Prolonged N addition significantly reduced the total RPA of absorptive roots (first three orders) in both species, with the most pronounced reduction occurring in the first-order roots of F. mandshurica. Additionally, absorptive roots displayed morphological adjustments under N enrichment, including finer root diameters and lower tissue density. Principal component analysis revealed multidimensional coordination of root functional traits, highlighting negative correlations between RPA and mycorrhizal colonization rate, rhizosphere available phosphorus, and bulk soil phosphatase activity, but positive correlations with specific root length and surface area. These patterns collectively indicate that RPA aligns with a “do-it-yourself” phosphorus acquisition strategy along the fungal collaboration gradient, favoring enzymatic investment over symbiotic dependency under N-enriched conditions. 【Conclusion】Collectively, after long-term N addition, the P acquisition strategies of the two trees changed, roots became slender, RPA and the mycorrhizal colonization rate decreased, which were more obvious in F. mandshurica plantations.

Key words

Larix gmelinii / Fraxinus mandshurica / plantations / nitrogen addition / phosphatase / absorptive root / root order

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YIN Tianlong , LIU Zhi , REN Hao , et al . Effects of long-term nitrogen addition on root phosphorus acquisition strategy in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations[J]. Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition）. 2026, 50(1): 150-159 https://doi.org/10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202501024

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