A unifying framework for dinitrogen fixation in the terrestrial biosphere

Benjamin Z. Houlton (), Ying-Ping Wang, Peter M. Vitousek and Christopher B. Field
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Benjamin Z. Houlton: Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
Ying-Ping Wang: CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research and Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, Aspendale VIC 3195, Victoria, Australia
Peter M. Vitousek: Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
Christopher B. Field: Carnegie Institution of Washington, Stanford, California 94305, USA

Nature, 2008, vol. 454, issue 7202, 327-330

Abstract: Nitrogen fixation: The forest paradox In contrast to marine environments, nitrogen fixation in temperate and tropical forests seems not to obey the law of supply and demand. Symbiotic trees that fix atmospheric nitrogen are more abundant in the tropics, where nitrogen is readily available in the soil, than in mature temperate forests where it is scarce. A possible explanation of this paradox is offered in a model that takes account of two extra factors: temperature and phosphorus abundance. In phosphate-limited soils, nitrogen-fixers may gain an advantage in the form of enhanced phosphate acquisition. And at high latitudes, the temperature may limit nitrogen fixation.

Date: 2008
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DOI: 10.1038/nature07028

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