Saker, M.L., Congdon, R.A., and Maycock, C.R. (1999) The relationship between phosphorus fractions, phosphatase activity and fertility in three rain forest soils. Tropical Ecology, 40 (2). pp. 261-267.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

This study investigates the availability of phosphorus and the forms of bound soil phosphorus present in three rain forest stands in north eastern Queensland. The soil types investigated differed significantly with respect to total soil phosphorus, with fertility decreasing in soils from basaltic to alluvial to granitic origin. At all sites only a small proportion of total phosphorus was available for plant uptake, with most being bound in organic matter and inorganic forms. A pot experiment was set up with Alphitonia petriei which was grown in soil collected from each of the three sites. After four months there was a significant difference in the dry weights, with plants showing stunted growth in the granitic soil collected from the site with the lower available phosphorus concentrations. These plants also had significantly higher root to shoot ratios and lower intracellular concentrations of phosphorus. Root phosphatase activity was greater for plants grown in soil low in available phosphorus.

Item ID:	1370
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0564-3295
Keywords:	North Queensland; rainforest; soil phosphorus; soil fertility; phosphatase activity
Related URLs:	http://www.tropecol.com/journal/default....
Date Deposited:	14 Jan 2008
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060208 Terrestrial Ecology @ 0% 07 AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY SCIENCES > 0705 Forestry Sciences > 070508 Tree Nutrition and Physiology @ 0%
Downloads:	Total: 72
	More Statistics