Patterns of leaf stoichiometry during plant (deyeuxia angustifolia kom.) encroachment in the alpine tundra of the changbai mountain, china

Alpine tundra ecosystems are experiencing great changes due to plant encroachment under the influence of global change, yet our understanding of the patterns of encroachment plant leaf stoichiometry is limited. This study aimed to determine the dynamic characteristics of leaf stoichiometry and the driving factors during species encroachment in the alpine tundra ecosystems. C, N, and P concentration of leaf of encroachment species as well as soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities at different encroachment levels along an elevation gradient in the alpine tundra of the Changbai Mountain, China, were measured. The results showed that leaf stoichiometry of D. angustifolia and the soil properties were separated significantly by encroachment degree, and varied considerably among elevations and plant types. Differences in nutrient contents and stoichiometries in D. angustifolia leaves were mainly determined by soil moisture, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, and alkaline phosphatase. Results of leaf N:P ratios showed that the growth of D. angustifolia in the study area was mainly limited by phosphorus. Findings from this study may be useful to improve our insight on the protection of the alpine tundra ecosystems and provide a scientific basis for predicting the response of the alpine tundra ecosystem to climate change.