Foliar resorption of nitrogen and phosphorus in Alcea apterocarpa (Malvaceae) in different habitats types

Abstract

The study goal is to reveal foliar resorption patterns of Alcea apterocarpa populations in different habitats (riverbank, meadow and forest clearing) in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey. We determined foliar nitrogen and phosphorus resorption, considering proficiency and efficiency. The resorption efficiency was also calculated using the mass loss correction factor (MLCF). Some studies indicated that MLCF provides unbiased resorption values. Phosphorus resorption proficiencies (PRP) of species were intermediate level, while nitrogen resorption proficiencies (NRP) were complete level. Phosphorus resorption efficiencies (PRE) were intermediate level for all habitats considering MLCF, while in meadow habitat, PRE was complete level without MLCF. Nitrogen resorption efficiencies (NRE) were intermediate level for all habitats without MLCF, but NRE values of meadow and forest clearing were incomplete level as using MLCF. Green leaf N/P ratios of A. apterocarpa were higher in riverbank, while senescence leaf N/P ratios were higher in meadow habitat. Only, the regression relationship between PRP and green leaf N/P ratio was not significant.