Effects of nitrogen fertilization on primary production in a Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem [1]
Title | Effects of nitrogen fertilization on primary production in a Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1978 |
Authors | Ettershank G [2], Ettershank J [3], Bryant M [4], Whitford WG [5] |
Journal | Journal of Arid Environments |
Volume | 1 |
Pagination | 135-139 |
Date Published | 1978 |
Call Number | 00060 |
Keywords | article [6], articles [7], creosotebush, SEE <LARREA> [8], Erioneuron,nitrogen fertilization [9], Erioneuron,primary production [10], fertilization amendment [11], grass, Erioneuron [12], journal [13], journals [14], Larrea, also SEE <SHRUB> [15], Larrea,nitrogen fertilization [16], Larrea,primary production [17], nitrogen fertilization,Erioneuron [18], nitrogen fertilization,Larrea [19], primary production, Erioneuron [20], primary production,Larrea [21] |
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 [22] |
DOI | 10.1016/S0140-1963(18)31738-5 [23] |