Uptake dynamics of inorganic and organic nitrogen in forest plants

缺乏有效氮(N)限制了大多数加拿大森林的植物生长。许多木本植物很好地适应低氮土壤，生长速度慢，组织寿命长，养分浓度低，养分损失率低。此外，大多数木本植物的根与菌根真菌有关，菌根真菌有助于营养获取。许多森林植物可以吸收有机和无机形式的氮，这提高了生态位分配的可能性，其中物种适应吸收和利用特定的氮形式。我的实验室试图了解适应和驯化的生理机制，氮形态和有效性。利用这些信息，我们可以评估森林植物根系的竞争强度和反应，从而影响物种多样性、初级生产力和群落稳定性。

Lack of available nitrogen (N) limits plant growth in most Canadian forests. Many woody plants are well adapted to tolerate low-N soils having slow growth rates, long-lived tissues, low nutrient concentrations and low rates of nutrient loss. In addition, most woody plant roots are associated with mycorrhizal fungi which assist in nutrient acquisition. Many forest plants can take up N in organic and inorganic forms which raises the possibility of niche partitioning where species are adapted to take up and use particular N forms. My lab seeks to understand the physiological mechanisms of adaptation and acclimation to N form and availability. With this information we can evaluate root competitive strength and response in forest plants which, in turn, influence species diversity, primary productivity and community stability.