Retention of precipitation nitrogen by Antarctic mosses, lichens and fellfield soils

摘要: Retention of mineral elements in precipitation by mosses and lichens involving ion exchange chelation mechanisms is a source nutrients for these biota growing on rocks nutrient poor soils (Brown 1987, Crittenden 1989). In qualitative work not nitrogen (N) Allen et al. (1967) demonstrated that fresh Antarctic treated with hydrochloric acid could retain Na, P, Ca K after leaching concentrated solution elements. Ahumic fellfield are widespread Antarctica support sparse plant growth. This short note reports the results designed to show plants may obtain most their N from atmospheric precipitation.