Electronic versions

  • Luiz Antonio Martinelli
    University of Sao Paulo
  • Gabriela B. Nardoto
    University of Brasília
  • Amin Soltangheisi
    University of Sao Paulo
  • Cristiano R. Reis
    University of Brasília
  • Adibe L. Abdalla-Filho
    University of Sao Paulo
  • P.B. Camargo
    University of Sao Paulo
  • T.F. Domingues
    University of Sao Paulo
  • D. Faria
    State University of Santa Cruz, Brazil
  • A.M. Figuera
    Federal University of Western Pará, Brazil
  • T.F. Gomes
    University of Sao Paulo
  • S.R.M. Lins
    Federal Rural University of Pernambuco
  • S.F. Mardegan
    University of Western Pará
  • E. Mariano
    University of Sao Paulo
  • R.C. Miatto
    University of Sao Paulo
  • R. Moraes
    State University of Santa Cruz, Brazil
  • M.Z. Moreira
    University of Sao Paulo
  • R.S. Oliveira
    State University of Campinas
  • J.P.H.B. Ometto
    National Institute for Space Research, São José dos Campos
  • F.L.S. Santos
    University of Brasília
  • J. Sena-Souza
    State University of Montes Claros, Brazil
  • D.M.L. Silva
    State University of Santa Cruz, Brazil
  • J.C.S.S. Silva
    University of Sao Paulo
  • Simone Aparecida Vieira
    State University of Campinas
By analyzing 6,480 tree leaf samples from 57 sites within Brazilian biomes, we considered whether vegetation types in terrestrial ecosystems reflect biogeochemical diversity and whether they fit into a leaf economics spectrum (LES). To achieve this, we investigated the relations among leaf carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations, their isotope natural abundance and C:N ratio. In addition, we tested their correlations with mean annual temperature (MAT) and precipitation (MAP), as climatic factors. We found consistent differences in the C and N concentrations and their isotopic composition among the vegetation types. MAP is the main climatic driver of changes in N, C:N ratio, δ15N, and δ13C, correlating negatively with N and positively with C:N ratio. These relations show that these biomes follow an LES. The Caatinga had the highest δ15N values, suggesting that N residence time in soil is longer due to low leaching and plant uptake. We observed that MAP is not the only factor influencing δ13C values in different biomes; instead canopy effect probably explains the highest values observed in the Cerrado. Our results reinforce earlier findings that life diversity in the tropics reflects biogeochemistry diversity and leaf δ15N opens the possibility for investigating plant trade-offs dictated by the LES. Finally, we expect our findings to contribute to a better understanding of the tropics in global climate models.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)405-423
JournalBiogeochemistry
Volume154
Publication statusPublished - 3 Nov 2020
Externally publishedYes
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