Regulatory mechanisms of biomass allocation governed by functional traits of dominant plants in desert steppe under precipitation changes

doi:10.11686/cyxb2024489

Abstract

Abstract:

Plant functional traits are key characteristics determining plant growth and survival. The pattern of biomass allocation in plants is crucial for their ecological adaptability to varying environmental conditions. This study investigated the effects of precipitation changes on the functional traits and biomass allocation of Stipa caucasica and Allium polyrhizum， two dominant plant species in the Urat Desert steppe， through controlled simulation experiments. Root functional traits （specific root length， root tissue density， and specific root area）， leaf functional traits （specific leaf area， leaf dry matter content， and leaf tissue density）， aboveground biomass， belowground biomass， and root∶shoot ratio were systematically measured under three precipitation treatments （50% decrease in precipitation， natural precipitation， and 50% increase in precipitation）. The results showed that： 1） The specific leaf area of A. polyrhizum increased significantly under reduced precipitation， whereas the root and leaf functional traits of S. caucasica showed no significant response to precipitation changes. 2） Under a 50% reduction in precipitation， the aboveground biomass of A. polyrhizum decreased significantly， while its belowground biomass showed no significant change. However， the root∶shoot ratio was significantly higher than that under natural precipitation. In contrast， under a 50% increase in precipitation， both the aboveground and belowground biomass of A. polyrhizum remained unchanged. For S. caucasica， no significant changes in aboveground biomass， belowground biomass， or root∶shoot ratio were observed under the three tested precipitation regimess. 3） Precipitation changes indirectly affected the biomass allocationof S. caucasica by modifying soil electrical conductivity， while they influenced the biomass allocation of A. polyrhizum through the modulation of specific leaf area. The findings provide theoretical insights into the mechanisms of biomass allocation regulation in typical desert steppe plants under reduced， normal or increased precipitation conditions.

Key words: desert steppe, precipitation change, biomass allocation, functional traits, Stipa caucasica, Allium polyrhizum

Rong MA, Jun-yao LI, Ping YUE, Xu-jun MA, Zhen BAI, Ling ZHUANG, Jing BAI, Xue-yong ZHAO, Shao-kun WANG. Regulatory mechanisms of biomass allocation governed by functional traits of dominant plants in desert steppe under precipitation changes[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2025, 34(11): 31-39.

Figures/Tables 3

References 41

[1]	The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change （IPCC）. Climate change 2021： The physical science basis. Cambridge： Cambridge University Press， 2021.
[2]	Kim J B， So J M， Bae D H. Global warming impacts on severe drought characteristics in Asia Monsoon Region. Water， 2020， 12（5）： 1360-1381.
[3]	Isbell F， Craven D， Connolly J， et al. Biodiversity increases the resistance of ecosystem productivity to climate extremes. Nature， 2015， 526（7574）： 574-577.
[4]	Lyu X M， Wang Y H， Zhou G S， et al. Interactive effects of changing precipitation and elevated temperatures on plant biomass and its allocation of Stipa breviflora. Acta Ecologica Sinica， 2015， 35（3）： 752-760.
	吕晓敏，王玉辉，周广胜，等. 温度与降水协同作用对短花针茅生物量及其分配的影响. 生态学报， 2015， 35（3）： 752-760.
[5]	Liu X J， Ma K P. Plant functional traits-concepts， applocations and future directions. Scientia Sinica Vitae， 2015， 45（4）： 325-339.
	刘晓娟，马克平. 植物功能性状研究进展. 中国科学：生命科学， 2015， 45（4）： 325-339.
[6]	Meng T T， Ni J， Wang G H. Plant functional traits， environmental and ecosystem functioning. Journal of Plant Ecology， 2007， 31（1）： 150-165.
	孟婷婷，倪健，王国宏. 植物功能性状与环境和生态系统功能. 植物生态学报， 2007， 31（1）： 150-165.
[7]	Reich P B. The world-wide ‘fast-slow’ plant economic spectrum： A traits manifesto. Journal of Ecology， 2014， 102（2）： 275-301.
[8]	Li C B， Zheng Z， Peng Y F， et al. Precipitation and nitrogen addition enhance biomass allocation to aboveground in an alpine steppe. Ecology and Evolution， 2019， 9（21）： 12193-12201.
[9]	Jin H R， Fan C K， Zhu H Y， et al. Responses of plant biomass allocation to changed precipitation timing in a semi-arid steppe. Plant and Soil， 2024， DOI： 10.1007/s11104-024-06928-9.
[10]	Li R， Shan L S， Xie T T， et al. Variation in the leaf functional traits of typical desert shrubs under precipitation gradient. Arid Zone Research， 2023， 40（3）： 425-435.
	李瑞，单立山，解婷婷，等. 典型荒漠灌木叶片功能性状特征随降水梯度的变化研究. 干旱区研究， 2023， 40（3）： 425-435.
[11]	Sun L， Wang Y， Li Y， et al. Non-linear response of leaf functional traits to precipitation in alpine grassland， Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Acta Ecologica Sinica， 2023， 43（2）： 756-767.
	孙乐，王毅，李洋，等. 青藏高原高寒草地群落叶片功能性状对降水的非线性响应. 生态学报， 2023， 43（2）： 756-767.
[12]	Zhao Y H， Gong X W， Ning Q R， et al. Plasticity and coordination of branch and leaf traits in Ulmus pumila along a precipitation gradient. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology， 2023， 34（2）： 324-332.
	赵宇航，龚雪伟，宁秋蕊，等. 沿降水梯度白榆的枝叶性状可塑性与协同变异. 应用生态学报， 2023， 34（2）： 324-332.
[13]	Xia L， Ji H， Zhang J Y， et al. Effects of different precipitation on root and leaf functional traits of plants in Inner Mongolia temperate steppe. Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica， 2022， 42（12）： 2112-2122.
	夏蕾，吉卉，张家铱，等. 降水差异对内蒙古温带草原植物根系和叶片功能性状的影响. 西北植物学报， 2022， 42（12）： 2112-2122.
[14]	Ryalls J M W， Moore B D， Johnson S N， et al. Root responses to domestication， precipitation and silicification： Weeping meadow grass simplifies and alters toughness. Plant and Soil， 2018， 427（1）： 291-304.
[15]	Isaac M E， Martin A R， Rapidel B， et al. Intraspecific trait variation and coordination： Root and leaf economics spectra in coffee across environmental gradients. Frontiers in Plant Science， 2017， 8（2）： 1196-1209.
[16]	Li H B， Liu B T， Mccormack M L， et al. Diverse belowground resource strategies underlie plant species coexistence and spatial distribution in three grasslands along a precipitation gradient. New Phytologist， 2017， 216（4）： 1140-1150.
[17]	Zhou M， Wang J， Bai W， et al. The response of root traits to precipitation changes of herbaceous species in temperate grasslands. Functional Ecology， 2019， 33（10）： 2030-2041.
[18]	Li X Y， Zuo X A， Yue P， et al. Drought of early time in growing season decreases community aboveground biomass， but increases belowground biomass in a desert steppe. BMC Ecology and Evolution， 2021， 21（1）： 106-119.
[19]	Zuo X A， Zhang J， Lv P， et al. Plant functional diversity mediates the effects of vegetation and soil properties on community level plant nitrogen use in the restoration of semiarid sandy grassland. Ecological Indicators， 2016， 64： 272-280.
[20]	Du Z Y， An H， Wang B， et al. Effects of nutrient addition and precipitation manipulation on plant species diversity and biomass of in a desert grassland. Acta Agrestia Sinica， 2020， 28（4）： 1100-1110.
	杜忠毓，安慧，王波，等. 养分添加和降水变化对荒漠草原植物群落物种多样性和生物量的影响. 草地学报， 2020， 28（4）： 1100-1110.
[21]	Long M， Wu H H， Smith D M， et al. Nitrogen deposition promotes phosphorus uptake of plants in a semi-arid temperate grassland. Plant and Soil， 2016， 408（1/2）： 475-484.
[22]	Guo X X， Yue P， Li X Y， et al. Effects of precipitation on above-ground biomass of Peganum harmala in desert steppe in Inner Mongolia， China. Journal of Desert Research， 2022， 42（2）： 164-172.
	郭新新，岳平，李香云，等. 降水量对荒漠草原骆驼蓬（Peganum harmala）地上生物量的影响. 中国沙漠， 2022， 42（2）： 164-172.
[23]	Guo X X， Zuo X A， Yue P， et al. Responses of leaf morphological traits of three dominant plants to water and nitrogen in desert steppe of Inner Mongolia. Journal of Desert Research， 2021， 41（1）： 137-144.
	郭新新，左小安，岳平，等. 内蒙古荒漠草原沙生针茅（Stipa glareosa）、碱韭（Allium polyrhizum）和骆驼蓬（Peganum harmala）叶形态性状对土壤水氮耦合的响应. 中国沙漠， 2021， 41（1）： 137-144.
[24]	Wang S K， Zhao X Y， Jia K F， et al. Soil bacterial diversity and its vertical distribution in Stipa klemenzii community of Urad desert steppe. Journal of Desert Research， 2016， 36（6）： 1564-1570.
	王少昆，赵学勇，贾昆峰，等. 乌拉特荒漠草原小针茅（Stipa klemenzii）群落土壤细菌多样性及垂直分布特征. 中国沙漠， 2016， 36（6）： 1564-1570.
[25]	Bao P A， Qiu K Y， Huang Y Y， et al. Leaf functional trait characteristics and plasticity of desert steppe plants under nitrogen and phosphorus addition. Acta Prataculturae Sinica， 2024， 33（3）： 97-106.
	鲍平安，邱开阳，黄业芸，等.荒漠草原植物在氮磷添加下叶功能性状特征及其可塑性. 草业学报， 2024， 33（3）： 97-106.
[26]	Liu Y， Zhong Q L， Xu Z B， et al. Relationship between fine root functional traits and rhizosphere microenvironment of Machilus pauhoi at different sizes. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology， 2024， 48（6）： 744-759.
	刘瑶，钟全林，徐朝斌，等. 不同大小刨花楠细根功能性状与根际微环境关系.植物生态学报， 2024， 48（6）： 744-759.
[27]	Jing M H， Jia X T， Zhang Y L， et al. Effects of long-term nitrogen addition on community aboveground and belowground biomass and their ratio in a typical steppe of Inner Mongolia. Chinese Journal of Ecology， 2020， 39（10）： 3185-3193.
	景明慧，贾晓彤，张运龙，等. 长期氮添加对内蒙古典型草原植物地上、地下生物量及根冠比的影响. 生态学杂志， 2020， 39（10）： 3185-3193.
[28]	Reynolds S. The gravimetric method of soil moisture determination Part IA study of equipment， and methodological problems. Journal of Hydrology， 1970， 11（3）： 258-273.
[29]	Huang C B， Zeng F J， Lei J Q. Growth and functional trait responses of Alhagi sparsifolia seedlings to water and nitrogen addition. Acta Prataculturae Sinica， 2016， 25（12）： 150-160.
	黄彩变，曾凡江，雷加强. 骆驼刺幼苗生长和功能性状对不同水氮添加的响应. 草业学报， 2016， 25（12）： 150-160.
[30]	Luong J C， Holl K D， Loik M E. Leaf traits and phylogeny explain plant survival and community dynamics in response to extreme drought in a restored coastal grassland. Journal of Applied Ecology， 2021， 58（8）： 1670-1680.
[31]	Shi Y， Wen Z M， Gong S H. Comparisons of relationships between leaf and fine root traits in hilly area of the Loess Plateau， Yanhe River basin， Shaanxi Province， China. Acta Ecologica Sinica， 2011， 31（22）： 6805-6814.
	施宇，温仲明，龚时慧. 黄土丘陵区植物叶片与细根功能性状关系及其变化. 生态学报， 2011， 31（22）： 6805-6814.
[32]	Wright I J， Reich P B， Westoby M. Strategy shifts in leaf physiology， structure and nutrient content between species of high- and low-rainfall and high- and low-nutrient habitats. Functional Ecology， 2001， 15（4）： 423-434.
[33]	Weemstra M， Mommer L， Visser E J W， et al. Towards a multidimensional root trait framework： A tree root review. The New Phytologist， 2016， 211（4）： 1159-1169.
[34]	Eapen D， Barroso M L， Ponce G， et al. Hydrotropism： Root growth responses to water. Trends in Plant Science， 2005， 10（1）： 44-50.
[35]	Sun Y， He M Z， Wang L. Effects of precipitation control on plant diversity and biomass in a desert region. Acta Ecologica Sinica， 2018， 38（7）： 2425-2433.
	孙岩，何明珠，王立. 降水控制对荒漠植物群落物种多样性和生物量的影响. 生态学报， 2018， 38（7）： 2425-2433.
[36]	Lu W T， Chong P F， Tian Y L， et al. Effects of simulated precipitation changes and nitrogen deposition on biomass allocation patterns of Reaumuria soongarica and Salsola passerina seedlings under different growth modes. Pratacultural Science， 2021， 38（11）： 2144-2154.
	陆文涛，种培芳，田艳丽，等. 模拟氮沉降及降水作用下红砂和珍珠猪毛菜幼苗生物量的分配模式. 草业科学， 2021， 38（11）： 2144-2154.
[37]	Yan W. Biomass allocation pattern and its influcing factors across typical terrestrial ecosystems in China. Shanghai： East China Normal University， 2017.
	颜韦. 中国典型陆地生态系统的生物量分配及其影响因素分析. 上海：华东师范大学， 2017.
[38]	Kou L， Wu Z M， Yang X D， et al. Responses of root system architecture to water stress at multiple levels： A Meta-analysis of trials under controlled conditions. Frontiers in Plant Science， 2022， 13（1）： 1085409.
[39]	Wang X， Chen X， Xu J， et al. Precipitation dominates the allocation strategy of above- and belowground biomass in plants on macro scales. Plants， 2023， 12（15）： 2843-2855.
[40]	Fan R， Lyu S， Ding Y， et al. Interactive effects of soil water， nutrients and clonal fragmentation on root growth of xerophilic plant Stipa breviflora. Agriculture， 2022， 12（12）： 2112-2124.
[41]	Justin M V， Kekoa C N， Marco C M. Functional traits and drought strategy predict leaf thermal tolerance. Conservation Physiology， 2023， 11（1）： 85-100.