The phosphorus-rich signature of fire in the soil-plant system: A global meta-analysis

O M Butler; J J Elser; Tom Lewis; B Mackey; C Chen

doi:10.1111/ele.12896

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The phosphorus-rich signature of fire in the soil-plant system: A global meta-analysis

Journal article

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The phosphorus-rich signature of fire in the soil-plant system: A global meta-analysis

O M Butler, J J Elser, Tom Lewis, B Mackey and C Chen

Ecology Letters, Vol.21(3), pp.335-344

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12896

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Abstract

biogeochemistry

burning

ecosystem decline

fractionation

nutrient limitation

pedogenesis

stoichiometry

succession

The biogeochemical and stoichiometric signature of vegetation fire may influence post-fire ecosystem characteristics and the evolution of plant 'fire traits'. Phosphorus (P), a potentially limiting nutrient in many fire-prone environments, might be particularly important in this context; however, the effects of fire on P cycling often vary widely. We conducted a global-scale meta-analysis using data from 174 soil studies and 39 litter studies, and found that fire led to significantly higher concentrations of soil mineral P as well as significantly lower soil and litter carbon:P and nitrogen:P ratios. These results demonstrate that fire has a P-rich signature in the soil-plant system that varies with vegetation type. Further, they suggest that burning can ease P limitation and decouple the biogeochemical cycling of P, carbon and nitrogen. These effects resemble a transient reversion to an earlier stage of ecosystem development, and likely underpin at least some of fire's impacts on ecosystems and organisms. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd/CNRS.

Details

Title: The phosphorus-rich signature of fire in the soil-plant system: A global meta-analysis
Authors: O M Butler (Author) - Griffith University
J J Elser (Author) - University of Montana, United States
Tom Lewis (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
B Mackey (Author) - Griffith University
C Chen (Corresponding Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Ecology Letters, Vol.21(3), pp.335-344
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Date published: 2018
DOI: 10.1111/ele.12896
ISSN: 1461-023X
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Forest Research Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450415702621
Output Type: Journal article

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