Empirical evidence and theoretical understanding of ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycle interactions
Benjamin D. Stocker, Ning Dong, Evan A. Perkowski, Pascal Schneider, Huiying Xu, Hugo J. de Boer, Karin T. Rebel, Nicholas G. Smith, Kevin Van Sundert, Han Wang, Sarah E. Jones, I. Colin Prentice, Sandy P. Harrison
Abstract
Summary Interactions between carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in terrestrial ecosystems are simulated in advanced vegetation models, yet methodologies vary widely, leading to divergent simulations of past land C balance trends. This underscores the need to reassess our understanding of ecosystem processes, given recent theoretical advancements and empirical data. We review current knowledge, emphasising evidence from experiments and trait data compilations for vegetation responses to CO 2 and N input, alongside theoretical and ecological principles for modelling. N fertilisation increases leaf N content but inconsistently enhances leaf‐level photosynthetic capacity. Whole‐plant responses include increased leaf area and biomass, with reduced root allocation and increased aboveground biomass. Elevated atmospheric CO 2 also boosts leaf area and biomass but intensifies belowground allocation, depleting soil N and likely reducing N losses. Global leaf traits data confirm these findings, indicating that soil N availability influences leaf N content more than photosynthetic capacity. A demonstration model based on the functional balance hypothesis accurately predicts responses to N and CO 2 fertilisation on tissue allocation, growth and biomass, offering a path to reduce uncertainty in global C cycle projections.