Community-specific patterns of nitrogen transformations along an elevational gradient in alpine and subalpine ecosystems

Aims The aim of the study was to investigate N biogeochemistry of four neighboring, high mountain plant communities and to identify main factors which drive variability among them. We hypothesized that the vegetation types differ in terms of N transformations, and that spatial differentiation of the communities and dominant growth form can reflect an existence of several N-environments along an elevational gradient. Methods Plant and soil N characteristics were studied in four vegetation types: heathland, scrub, sward and tall forb. Leaf nitrate reductase activity and total N were measured in the dominant species. Soil pH, total C, N, inorganic and dissolved organic N concentrations were measured. The soil net N mineralization rate was examined. Results The DistLM and PERMANOVA analyses revealed that variability among the vegetation types was driven primarily by elevation, soil N–NH 4 + , soil pH and soil total C. We identified three distinct N-environments along an elevational gradient. The “N-poor alpine” located at the highest altitudes, strongly N-limited and dominated by dwarf-shrub. The "N-mixed subalpine" located in the middle of the gradient and covered by scrub and sward. It was characterized by moderate N turnover rate. The "N-rich subalpine" occurred at lowest locations and was covered by subalpine tall forb community. It exhibited the highest dynamics of N transformations and was rich in inorganic N. Conclusion Three main N-environments were identified: N-poor alpine, N-mixed subalpine, N-rich subalpine. Variability among the vegetation types was driven primarily by elevation, soil N–NH 4 + , soil pH and soil total C.