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Photosynthetic Response to Phosphorus Fertilization in Drought-Stressed Common Beech and Sessile Oak from Different Provenances

Authors :
Antonia Vukmirović
Željko Škvorc
Saša Bogdan
Daniel Krstonošić
Ida Katičić Bogdan
Tomislav Karažija
Marko Bačurin
Magdalena Brener
Krunoslav Sever
Source :
Plants, Vol 13, Iss 16, p 2270 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Increasingly frequent and severe droughts pose significant threats to forest ecosystems, particularly affecting photosynthesis, a crucial physiological process for plant growth and biomass production. This study investigates the impact of phosphorus fertilization on the photosynthesis of common beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). In a common garden experiment, saplings originating from two provenances (wetter KA and drier SB provenances) were exposed to regular watering and drought in interaction with moderate and high phosphorus concentrations in the growing substrate. Results indicated that drought significantly reduced pre-dawn leaf water potential (ΨPD), net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic performance index (PIabs) in both species. Phosphorus fertilization had a negative impact on Anet and PIabs, thus exacerbating the negative impact of drought on photosynthetic efficiency, potentially due to excessive phosphorus absorption by saplings. Provenance differences were notable, with the KA provenance showing better drought resilience. This research highlights the complexity of nutrient–drought interactions and underscores the need for cautious application of fertilization strategies in reforestation efforts under changing climatic conditions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22237747
Volume :
13
Issue :
16
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Plants
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.036317d534154139800c62a26c020f1a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162270