High adaptability of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica to drought-induced soil nutrient deficiency

Abstract Background Drought can exert a profound influence on soil nutrient availability, and understanding whether how tree species adapt to this change is critical priority for predicting the consequence of climate forest structure function. The objective study was examine adaptability Mongolian pine ( Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica ) drought-induced changes in availability from perspective root functions. Methods We conducted 7-year precipitation manipulation experiment with three levels throughfall reduction (0%, 30%, 50%) simulate different drought intensities. measured physicochemical properties fine-root concentrations biomass, calculated stoichiometric homeostatic regulation coefficient (1/ H fine roots. Results reduced organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) inorganic N concentrations, as well ratios total P, available P 0–20 cm layer. In contrast, had no significant effect biomass 0–40 Fine roots displayed high coefficients (with 1/ values 0.19 0) 0.33 20–40 layers, respectively. Conclusions Our results indicate that leads deficiency decoupling between cycling, provide evidence has decrease by maintaining great ensure sufficient uptake.