Title | Effects of nitrogen fertilization on primary production in a Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1978 |
Authors | Ettershank G, Ettershank J, Bryant M, Whitford WG |
Journal | Journal of Arid Environments |
Volume | 1 |
Pagination | 135-139 |
Date Published | 1978 |
Call Number | 00060 |
Keywords | article, articles, creosotebush, SEE <LARREA>, Erioneuron,nitrogen fertilization, Erioneuron,primary production, fertilization amendment, grass, Erioneuron, journal, journals, Larrea, also SEE <SHRUB>, Larrea,nitrogen fertilization, Larrea,primary production, nitrogen fertilization,Erioneuron, nitrogen fertilization,Larrea, primary production, Erioneuron, primary production,Larrea |
Abstract | In a Chihuahuan desert ecosytem, the growth responses to nitrogen amendment of a perennial shrub (creosotebush, Larrea tridentata) and a perennial grass (fluff grass, Erioneuron pulchellum) were made twice during the growing season: first during a period of average rainfall, then during a period of above average rainfall. Fluff grass exhibited a marked increase in biomass to 25 kg ha-1 and 100 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilization. Creosotebush increased biomass production only at the higher level during both periods. These results suggest that productivity of a Chihuahuan desert system is partially nitrogen limited and that shallow-rooted plants utilized the available nitrogen at the 25 kg ha-1 fertilization level, thus making it unavailable to creosotebush. |
URL | files/bibliography/78-JnlArdEnvnmnts-Whitford.pdf |
DOI | 10.1016/S0140-1963(18)31738-5 |