Cycling of dissolved organic nutrients and indications for nutrient limitations in contrasting Amazon rainforest ecosystems

AbstractIn the nutrient-poor soils of the Amazon rainforest, phosphorus (P) emerges as a critical limiting factor for ecosystem productivity. Despite these limitations, the Amazon exhibits remarkable productivity that is maintained by its efficient nutrient recycling mechanisms. Central to this process is the role of organic matter, particularly its dissolved (DOM) fraction, which serves as a crucial nutrient reservoir for both plants and microorganisms. This study delves into the dynamics of nutrient-containing DOM within the soils of two contrasting rainforest ecosystems: clayey terra firme forests, known for their robust nutrient recycling and presumed P-limitation, and sandy white-sand forests, characterized by reduced nutrient recycling capacity and presumed nitrogen (N)-limitation. Utilizing ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), we analyzed the molecular composition of dissolved organic nutrient species. We evidenced nutrient limitation applying innovative concepts: (1) assessing nutrient depletion in DOM via nutrient-to-carbon ratios, (2) comparing the composition of nutrient-enriched DOM pools across soil depth profiles to infer microbial nutrient processing, and (3) examining the temporal variability of nutrient-containing DOM as an indicator of nutrient uptake and production. Our results corroborate the hypothesis of P-limitation in terra firme forests, with significant processing of N-containing DOM also observed, indicating a synergistic demand for both P and N. Surprisingly, white-sand soils exhibited no signs of N-limitation but instead sulfur (S)-limitation, a novel finding for these ecosystems. This study highlights the diversity of potential nutrient limitations in the central Amazon and the importance of the bioavailable “black box” DOM for tropical nutrient cycles.

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Published: Nov 19, 2024
Vol/Issue: 167(12)
Pages: 1567-1588
License: View

Authors

Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz , Mainz, Germany

Funding

Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung Award: 01LK2101A

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

Cite This Article

D. Frederik Lange, Simon A. Schröter, Fernanda M. da Luz, et al. (2024). Cycling of dissolved organic nutrients and indications for nutrient limitations in contrasting Amazon rainforest ecosystems. Biogeochemistry, 167(12), 1567-1588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-024-01187-3

Cycling of dissolved organic nutrients and indications for nutrient limitations in contrasting Amazon rainforest ecosystems

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