Patterns and driving factors of leaf C, N, and P stoichiometry in two forest types with different stand ages in a mid-subtropical zone

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry is a key indicator of nutrient utilization in plants, C/N/P ratios are related to the life histories adaptation strategies tree species. However, no consensus has been reached on how leaf stoichiometric characteristics affected by forest type stand ages. The relationships between geographical, meteorological, soil factors also remain poorly understood. Leaf were sampled from stands different age groups (young, middle-aged, near-mature, mature) two types (Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) forests evergreen broadleaved forests). C, N, P parameters analysed using redundancy analysis (RDA) stepwise linear regression analysis. C concentrations peaked near-mature with increasing irrespective type. N fluctuated rising trend Chinese forests, while decreased first increased later young mature phases natural forests. primarily limited P, more susceptible limitation. mainly total concentration (SP), longitude (LNG), growing season precipitation (GSP) mean temperature July (JUT). was GSP JUT; both positively correlated LNG; SP. In however, displayed significant correlations latitude (LAT) annual (MAP). differed among types. explained combinations SP, LNG, JUT LAT MAP main controlling affecting variations status which supports temperature-plant physiological hypothesis. These findings improve understanding distribution patterns driving mechanisms linked