Skip to main content
Log in

Responses of plant traits of four grasses from contrasting habitats to defoliation and N supply

  • Published:
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The objective of the study was to identify specific plant traits determining adaptation of grass species to defoliation and N availability, and thus having a major impact on species dynamics, primary productivity, and on nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems. It was specifically examined whether the response of species to defoliation is related to their plasticity in leaf growth and in leaf growth zone components, and whether the response of species to nitrogen is related to their plasticity in root morphology and subsequent N acquisition, and to N losses through leaf senescence. The study was conducted on L. perenne and D. glomerata, two grazing tolerant species from fertile habitats, and on F. arundinacea and F. rubra, two less grazing tolerant species from less fertile habitats. Plants were subjected to repeated defoliation at three cutting heights under both high N and low N supply. Biomass allocation, leaf elongation, characteristics of the leaf growth zone (height and relative growth rate), and root morphology, N uptake and N losses through leaf senescence were evaluated. Under high N supply, L. perenne and D. glomerata showed the greatest tolerance to defoliation, due to a large plasticity in the height of the leaf growth zone and due to compensatory growth, either within the leaf growth zone or between growing leaves. Under low N supply, F. rubra was the only species with the ability to develop a more branched root system and a greater length of tertiary roots than under high N. As a consequence, under low N supply F. rubra had a higher specific N uptake and a higher growth rate than the other species. This slow growing species also showed a higher nitrogen allocation to dead leaves and subsequently a higher potential N loss to leaf litter.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aerts R (1999) Interspecific competition in natural plant communities: mechanisms, trade-offs and plant-soil feed-backs. J Exp Bot 50:29–37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aerts R, Chapin FS (2000) The mineral nutrition of wild plants revisited: a re-evaluation of processes and patterns. Adv Ecol Res 30:1–67

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arredondo JT, Johnson DA (1998) Influence of clipping on root architecture and morphology of three range grasses. J Range Manag 51:214–220

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arredondo JT, Schnyder H (2003) Components of leaf elongation rate and their relationship to specific leaf area in contrasting grasses. New Phytol 158:305–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balent G (1991) Construction of a reference frame for studying changes in species composition in pastures: the example of an old-field succession. Options Méditerr (Ed). CIHEAM Série A 15:73–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Berendse F, Elberse WT (1990) Competition and nutrient losses from the plant. In: Lambers H, Cambridge ML, Konings H, Pons TL (eds) Causes and consequences of variation in growth rate and productivity. SPB Academic Publishing, The Haghe, pp 69–84

    Google Scholar 

  • Berntson GM (1992) A computer-program for characterising root system branching patterns. Plant Soil 140(1):145–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bingham IJ, Stevenson EA (1993) Control of root growth effects of carbohydrates on the extension, branching and rate of respiration of different fractions of wheat roots. Physiol Plant 88(1):149–158

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boot RGA (1989) The significance of size and morphology of root systems for nutrient acquisition and competition. In: Lambers H, Cambridge ML, Konings H, Pons TL (eds) Causes and consequences of variation in growth rate and productivity of higher plants. SPB Academic Publishing, The Haghe, pp 299–311

    Google Scholar 

  • Boot RGA, Mensink M (1990) Size and morphology of root systems of perennial grasses from contrasting habitats as affected by nitrogen supply. Plant Soil 129:291–299

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Briske DD (1991) Developmental morphology and physiology of grasses. In: Heitschmidt RK, Stuth J (eds) Grazing management: an ecological perspective. Timber Press, Oregon, pp 85–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Briske DD (1996) Strategies of plant survival in grazed systems: a functional interpretation. In: Hodgson J, Illius AW (eds) The ecology and management of grazing systems. CAB International, Wallingford, pp 37–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Brouwer R (1962) Distribution of dry matter in the plant. Neth J Agric Sci 10:361–376

    Google Scholar 

  • Brouwer R (1983) Functional equilibrium: sense or nonsense?. Neth J Agric Sci 31:335–348

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell BD, Grime JP (1989) A comparative-study of plant responsiveness to the duration of episodes of mineral nutrient enrichment. New Phytol 112:261–267

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casey IA, Brereton AJ, Laidlaw AS, McGilloway DA (1999) Effects of sheath tubes on leaf development in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Ann Appl Biol 134(2):251–257

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chapin FS (1980) The mineral nutrition of wild plants. Annu Rev Ecol Syst 11:233–260

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davidson JL, Milthorpe FL (1966) Leaf growth in Dactylis glomerata following defoliation. Ann Bot 30:173–184

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Davies A (1988) The regrowth of grass sward. In: Jones MB, Lazenby A (eds) The grass crop. Chapman and Hall, London, pp 85–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies I, Davies A, Troughton A, Cooper JP (1972) Regrowth in grasses. Report of Welsh Plant Breeding Station 1971, pp 79–94

  • deAldana BRV, Geerts RHEM, Berendse F (1996) Nitrogen losses from perennial grasses. Oecologia 106:137–143

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donaghy DJ, Fulkerson WJ (1997) The importance of water-soluble carbohydrate reserves on re-growth and root growth of Lolium perenne (L.). Grass Forage Sci 52:401–407

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Donaghy DJ, Fulkerson WJ (1998) Priority for allocation of water-soluble carbohydrate reserves during regrowth of Lolium perenne. Grass Forage Sci 53:211–218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duru M, Balent G, Gibon A, Magda D, Theau JP, Cruz P, Jouany C (1998) Fonctionnement et dynamique des prairies permanentes. Exemple des Pyrénées centrales. Fourrages 153:97–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Duru M, Tallowin J, Cruz P (2005) Functional diversity in low-input grassland farming systems: characterisation, effect and management. In: Lillak R, Viiralt R, Linke A, Geherman V (eds) Integrating efficient grassland farming and biodiversity, vol 10. EGF, Tartu, pp 199–210

    Google Scholar 

  • Elberse ET, Berendse F (1993) A comparative study of the growth and morphology of eight grass species from habitats with different nutrient availabilities. Funct Ecol 7:223–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elberse WT, van den Bergh JP, Dirven JGP (1983) Effects of use and mineral supply on the botanical composition and yield of old grassland on heavy-clay soil. Neth J Agric Sci 31:63–88

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ellenberg H, Weber HE, Düll R, Wirth V, Werner W, Paulissen D (1991) Zeiwerte von Pflanzen in Mitteleuropa. Scr Geobot 18:1–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Ennik GC, Hoffman TB (1983) Variation in the root mass of ryegrass types and its ecological consequences. Neth J Agric Sci 31:325–334

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans PS (1971) Root growth of Lolium perenne L. Effects of defoliation and shading. N Z J Agric Res 14:552–562

    Google Scholar 

  • Fitter AH (1987) An architectural approach to the comparative ecology of plant root systems. New Phytol 106:61–77

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fitter AH, Nichols R, Harvey ML (1988) Root system architecture in relation to life history and nutrient supply. Funct Ecol 2(3):345–352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fulkerson WJ, Slack K (1994) Leaf number as a criteria for determining defoliation time for Lolium perenne. 1. Effect of water-soluble carbohydrates and senescence. Grass Forage Sci 49:373–377

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fulkerson WJ, Slack K (1995) Leaf number as a criterion for determining defoliation time for Lolium perenne. 2. Effect of defoliation frequency and height. Grass Forage Sci 50:16–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gastal F, Saugier B (1986) Alimentation azotée et croissance de la fétuque élevée. I—Assimilation du carbone et répartition entre organes. Agronomie 6(2):157–166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grime JP, Hodgson JG, Hunt R (1988) Comparative plant ecology. A functional approach to common British species. Unwin Hyman, London, 742 p

  • Halland EA, Detling JK (1990) Plant response to herbivory and below-ground nitrogen cycling. Ecology 71:1040–1049

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jarvis SC, Macduff JH (1989) Nitrate nutrition of grasses from steady-state supplies in flowing solution culture following nitrate deprivation and/or defoliation. J Exp Bot 40:965–975

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lambers H, Poorter H (1992) Inherent variation in growth-rate between higher-plants—a search for physiological causes and ecological consequences. Adv Ecol Res 23:187–261

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lestienne F, Thornton B, Gastal F (2006) Impact of defoliation intensity and frequency on N uptake and mobilization in Lolium perenne. J Exp Bot 57(4):997–1006

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matthew C, Xia JX, Chu ACP, MacKay AD, Hodgson J (1991) Relationship between root production and tiller appearance rates in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) In: Atkinson D (ed) Plant root growth: an ecological perspective. Special publication series of the British Ecological Society, vol 10, pp 281–290

  • Matthew C, Assuero SG, Black CK, Sackville Hamilton NR (2000) Tiller dynamics of grazed swards. In: Lemaire G, Hodgson J, de Moraes H, de Carvalho PCF, Nabinger C (eds) Grassland ecophysiology and grazing ecology. CABI Publishing, Oxon, pp 127–150

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mawdsley JL, Bardgett RD (1997) Continuous defoliation of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) and associated changes in the microbial population of an upland grassland soil. Biol Fertil Soils 24:52–58

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Millard P, Neilsen GH (1989) The influence of nitrogen supply on the uptake and remobilisation of stored N for the seasonal growth of apple trees. Ann Bot 63:301–309

    Google Scholar 

  • Norby RJ, ONeill EG, Luxmoore RJ (1986) Effects of atmospheric CO2 enrichment on the growth and mineral nutrition of Quercus alba seedlings in nutrient-poor soil. Plant Physiol 82(1):83–89

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Richards JH (1984) Root growth response to defoliation in two Agropyron bunchgrasses: field observations with an improved root periscope. Oecologia 64:21–25

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richards JH (1993) Physiology of plants recovering from defoliation. In: Proceedings of the XVII international grassland congress, pp 85–94

  • Robinson D (2001) Root proliferation, nitrate inflow and their carbon costs during nitrogen capture by competing plants in patchy soil. Plant Soil 232(1–2):41–50

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Robinson D, Rorison IH (1988) Plasticity in grass species in relation to nitrogen supply. Funct Ecol 2(2):249–258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal JP, Kotanen PM (1994) Terrestrial plant tolerance to herbivory. Trends Ecol Evol 9:145–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryle GJA (1964) A comparison of leaf and tiller growth in seven perennial grasses as influenced by nitrogen and temperature. J Brit Grassl Soc 19:281–290

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryle GJA, Powell CE (1975) Defoliation and regrowth in the graminaceous plants: the role of current assimilates. Ann Bot 39:297–310

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryser P, Eek L (2000) Consequences of phenotypic plasticity vs. interspecific differences in leaf and root traits for acquisition of aboveground and belowground resources. Am J Bot 87(3):402–411

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ryser P, Lambers H (1995) Root and leaf attributes accounting for the performance of fast-growing and slow-growing grasses at different nitrogen supply. Plant Soil 170(2):251–265

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schäufele R, Schnyder H (2000) Cell growth analysis during steady and non-steady growth in leaves of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) subject to defoliation. Plant Cell Environ 23:185–194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schnyder H, Seo S, Rademacher IF, Kuhbauch W (1990) Spatial distribution of growth rates and of epidermal cell lengths in the elongating zone during leaf development in Lolium perenne L. Planta 181:423–431

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schnyder H, Schäufele R, de Visser R, Nelson CJ (2000) An integrated view of C and N uses in leaf growth zones of defoliated grasses. In: Lemaire G, Hodgson J, de Moraes A, de Carvalho P, Nabinger C (eds) Grassland ecophysiology and grazing ecology. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, pp 41–60

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Trlica MJ, Rittenhouse LR (1993) Grazing and plant performance. Ecol Appl 3:21–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volenec JJ, Nelson CJ (1983) Responses of tall fescue leaf meristems to N fertilization and harvest frequency. Crop Sci 23:720–724

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams ED (1978) Botanical composition of the park grass plots at Rothamsted, 1856–1976. Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, pp 1–61

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, INRA and the Royal Society/CNRS through their European Science Exchange Programme jointly funded this work. Jasmine Ross is acknowledged for her technical support. Elizabeth Duff (BioSS) is thanked for her advice on the statistical analysis.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to F. Gastal.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gastal, F., Dawson, L.A. & Thornton, B. Responses of plant traits of four grasses from contrasting habitats to defoliation and N supply. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 88, 245–258 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-010-9352-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-010-9352-x

Keywords

Navigation