Divergent litterfall nutrient responses to rainfall seasonality revealed through long-term observations in a tropical dry forest

Background

Forest litterfall can provide important nutrients to the soil for ecosystem health such as Phosphorus and Nitrogen. In water limited ecosystems rainfall often controls forest nutrient cycling. It is not yet understood how nutrient uptake of these nutrients is influenced by seasonal rainfall and how these litter nutrient contents change from year to year.

Goals and Methods

The authors conduct a long-term research project in the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. Annual rainfall data is recorded and literfall samples are collected and analyzed for nutrients. Data is recorded over a period of 12 years with a distinction between seasons of rainfall, and years of particularly light or heavy rain.

Conclusions and Takeaways

The authors conclude that overall literfall Nitrogen varies with seasonal water availability, but not Phosphorus. Drought events are most likely to influence Nitrogen cycling which is an important factor to consider when managing forests, given more extreme drought periods due to climate change.