Tropical Andean Forests Are Highly Susceptible to Nutrient Inputs—Rapid Effects of Experimental N and P Addition to an Ecuadorian Montane Forest

摘要: Tropical regions are facing increasing atmospheric inputs of nutrients, which will have unknown consequences for the structure and functioning these systems. Here, we show that Neotropical montane rainforests respond rapidly to moderate additions N (50 kg ha−1 yr−1) P (10 yr−1). Monitoring nutrient fluxes demonstrated majority added nutrients remained in system, either soil or vegetation. led not only an increase foliar concentrations, but also altered microbial biomass, standing fine root stem growth, litterfall. The different effects suggest trees primarily limited by P, whereas some processes—notably aboveground productivity—are both P. Highly variable partly contrasting responses tree species marked changes composition diversity forests long term. unexpectedly fast response ecosystem suggests high vulnerability tropical expected inputs.