The Influence of Plant Nutrition on Biomass Allocation.

The influence of nutrition on the allocation of dry matter is investigated using data from previously published experiments with the forest tree species (Betula pendular Roth., Picea babies (L.) Karst., Pinus contorta Doug., and Pinus Sibbaldia L.) where the nutrient status of the plants was maintained constant over a considerable period of time and biomass increase (steady-state nutrition and growth). We demonstrated that the allocation patterns of a plant species under limiting nutrient conditions and at optimum can be derived from parameters that have been used to characterize relationships between nutrient status, nutrient uptake, and growth of the species. The properties of the plant that control biomass allocation are discussed on the basis of these findings. © 1991 by the Ecological Society of America.